Most modern cars have disc brakes, but many older vehicles still feature drum brakes on the rear axle. While drum brakes aren’t as powerful or efficient as disc brakes, they’re easier to maintain and can be just as effective for everyday driving. If you need to replace the brake shoes or repair the wheel cylinder, you’ll need to remove the drum brake assembly.
Removing a drum brake is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about an hour. Here are the steps on how to do it:
First, you’ll need to gather a few tools. You’ll need a lug wrench, a flathead screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a brake spring tool. Once you have your tools, you can start by loosening the lug nuts on the wheel that you’re working on. Be careful not to loosen them all the way, or the wheel will fall off!
Gathering Necessary Tools and Safety Equipment
Tools
To remove a drum brake, you will need the following tools:
- Lug wrench
- Brake cleaner
- Drum brake puller
- Hammer and chisel
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Jack and jack stands
Safety Equipment
When working on your vehicle, it is important to wear appropriate safety gear to protect yourself from injury. For this task, you will need:
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
In addition to the tools and safety equipment listed above, you may also need a helper to assist you in removing the drum brake.
Sliding Off the Backing Plate
With the brake assembly loosened up and lifted away from the axle, it’s now time to slide the drum off the backing plate. Sometimes this is easier said than done, as rust and corrosion over time can seize the drum to the backing plate. You can use a penetrating fluid or lubricant to help loosen things up, but be careful not to spray it onto the brake shoes or pads.
Once you’re satisfied that the drum is loose, use a slide hammer or pry bar to carefully pry it off the backing plate. Be sure to support the drum with your other hand to prevent it from falling. Once the drum is off, inspect the backing plate and brake shoes for any damage or wear and tear. Note: If you’re having trouble getting the drum off, you may need to remove the brake shoes first. Consult your vehicle’s service manual for specific instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sliding Off the Backing Plate
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the cotter pin or split pin that secures the castle nut to the axle. Remove the cotter pin or split pin using a pair of pliers. |
| 2 | Loosen the castle nut by turning it counterclockwise using a socket wrench or wrench. |
| 3 | Remove the castle nut and washer from the axle. |
| 4 | Gently lift the brake assembly away from the axle. Be careful not to damage the brake lines or wires. |
| 5 | Use a slide hammer or pry bar to carefully pry the drum off the backing plate. |
| 6 | Support the drum with your other hand to prevent it from falling. Inspect the backing plate and brake shoes for any damage or wear and tear. |
Remove Brake Shoes
Step 1: Keep the Drum Brake Assembly Stable
Always ensure the stability of the drum brake assembly before removing the brake shoes. Use a pair of jack stands to provide support and prevent the assembly from rotating or coming apart when removing the brake shoes.
Step 2: Remove the Spring Retainer
Next, locate the spring retainer, which holds the brake shoes in place, and remove the washer and clip that hold it. In some vehicles, you might also find a spring attached to the brake shoe.
Disconnect the spring from the shoe with a pair of pliers.
Step 3: Remove the Brake Shoe Hold-Down Pins
Now, you need to remove the brake shoe hold-down pins. On some vehicles, the pins are connected with cotter pins, which you can easily detach using pliers. In other vehicles, there may be springs holding the pins in place. Use needle-nose pliers to remove them while being careful not to damage the springs.
Step 4: Remove the Brake Shoes
Once the hold-down pins are removed, you can detach the brake shoes from the backing plate. To do this, use your fingers or a small pry bar and gently pull the shoes away from the backing plate. Be cautious not to damage the brake shoes or the backing plate during this process.
Reconnecting the Brake Line and Wheel
1.Locate the brake line fitting on the back of the wheel cylinder.
2. Use a wrench to loosen the brake line fitting. Be careful not to damage the brake line.
3. Pull the brake line off the wheel cylinder.
4. Inspect the brake line for any damage. If the brake line is damaged, it must be replaced.
5. Apply a small amount of brake fluid to the end of the brake line.
6. Push the brake line back onto the wheel cylinder.
7. Tighten the brake line fitting using a wrench.
8. Reconnect the brake caliper to the wheel hub.
9. Tighten the brake caliper bolts.
10. Install the brake rotor onto the wheel hub. Bolt the rotor onto the hubs following the manufacturer’s torque specifications.
| Tightening Sequence | Torque |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Tighten the bolts to 1/3 of the specified torque in a criss-cross pattern | N/A |
| Step 2: Tighten the bolts to 2/3 of the specified torque in a criss-cross pattern | N/A |
| Step 3: Tighten the bolts to the specified torque in a criss-cross pattern | Refer to vehicle specifications |
11. Install the brake caliper over the brake rotor.
12. Secure the brake caliper using the caliper bracket bolts. Again, follow a star sequence and torque the caliper bracket bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
13. Install the brake pads into the caliper bracket. Make sure the pads are seated properly.
14. Insert the caliper pins into the caliper bracket and secure them with the cotter pins.
15. Connect the brake line to the brake caliper.
16. Pump the brake pedal several times to remove any air from the brake lines.
17. Check the brake fluid level and add fluid as necessary.
18. Test the brakes to ensure they are working properly.
How To Take A Drum Brake Off
Drum brakes are a type of brake that is used on many vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. They work by using a set of brake shoes to press against the inside of a rotating drum. This creates friction, which slows down or stops the vehicle.
If you need to remove a drum brake, it is important to follow the correct procedure. This will help to ensure that the brake is removed safely and without damaging any of the components.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather your tools. You will need a lug wrench, a jack, a jack stand, a pair of pliers, and a screwdriver.
2. Loosen the lug nuts. Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you are working on. Do not remove the lug nuts completely at this point.
3. Jack up the vehicle. Use the jack to jack up the vehicle. Place the jack stand under the frame of the vehicle, next to the wheel that you are working on.
4. Remove the wheel. Remove the lug nuts completely and then pull the wheel off of the hub.
5. Remove the brake drum. Use the pliers to remove the cotter pin that is holding the brake drum in place. Then, use the screwdriver to pry the brake drum off of the hub.
6. Inspect the brake shoes. Once the brake drum is removed, you will be able to see the brake shoes. Inspect the brake shoes for wear or damage. If the brake shoes are worn or damaged, they will need to be replaced.
7. Reassemble the brake. If the brake shoes are in good condition, you can reassemble the brake. To do this, simply reverse the steps that you took to remove the brake.
People Also Ask
How do I know if my drum brakes need to be replaced?
There are a few signs that may indicate that your drum brakes need to be replaced. These signs include:
-
- A decrease in braking performance
- A grinding noise when you brake
- A pulsation in the brake pedal
- Leaking brake fluid
How much does it cost to replace drum brakes?
The cost of replacing drum brakes will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the labor costs in your area. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for a complete brake job.
Can I replace drum brakes myself?
It is possible to replace drum brakes yourself, but it is important to have some mechanical experience before attempting this task. If you are not comfortable working on your vehicle, it is best to take it to a mechanic.
