How to Get Brake Drum Back On A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to your vehicle's braking system, the brake drum plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and effective braking. If you've taken the brake drum off for inspection, maintenance, or replacement of brake shoes, you may wonder how to put it back on correctly. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to safely and efficiently get your brake drum back on.

Understanding the Brake System

Before delving into the procedure, it's essential to understand the components involved. The brake drum is part of a drum brake system that consists of the following

- Brake Drum The cylindrical metal component that rotates with the wheel. - Brake Shoes Semi-circular metal pieces that press against the drum to create friction and stop the wheel. - Backing Plate A flat surface to which the shoes and hardware are mounted. - Spring Mechanisms They help return the shoes to their default position after braking.

Tools and Equipment Needed

To put the brake drum back on, you’ll need a few tools

- A jack and jack stands - A tire iron - A lug wrench - Brake cleaner - A set of gloves - Safety goggles

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Preparation Begin by ensuring your vehicle is parked on a level surface. Engage the parking brake and wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself while working.

2. Loosen the Lug Nuts If the wheels are still on the vehicle, use a lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel of the brake assembly you’re working on. Don’t remove them entirely yet.

3. Lift the Vehicle Use a jack to lift the vehicle. Once it's elevated, place jack stands under the vehicle for safety.

4. Remove the Wheel Now, you can fully remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel, exposing the brake assembly.

5. Inspect the Brake Components With the wheel off, take a moment to inspect the brake shoes, drum, and backing plate for any wear or damage. Clean any dust or debris using brake cleaner for proper adherence.

6. Position the Brake Shoes If you replaced or adjusted the brake shoes, ensure they are correctly placed against the backing plate. The curved shoe should fit into the drum smoothly when mounted.

7. Align the Brake Drum Carefully position the brake drum over the brake shoes. If the shoes were adjusted properly, the drum should slide over them without excessive force. You may need to turn the drum slightly to align it with the shoes properly.

8. Check the Adjusters If your brake system has an adjuster, ensure it is in the right position. If it is too tight, the drum will not fit. You may need to back off the adjustment a little to make it easier to install the drum.

9. Install the Brake Drum Once everything is lined up correctly, slide the brake drum completely onto the wheel hub until it is seated securely against the backing plate and shoes.

10. Reinstall the Wheel With the brake drum in place, you can now place the wheel back onto the hub. Hand-tighten the lug nuts initially to secure the wheel.

11. Lower the Vehicle Carefully lower the vehicle back down to the ground. Ensure you remove the jack stands before fully lowering the vehicle.

12. Tighten the Lug Nuts Once the car is back on the ground, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure. This is essential for proper wheel alignment and safety.

13. Final Check Pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure that everything is seated correctly and the brake shoes are making appropriate contact with the drum. This will also help in re-establishing brake pressure.

Conclusion

Reinstalling a brake drum may seem daunting, but following these steps can make the task manageable. Always prioritize safety, and ensure that all components are in good working order. If you encounter any issues or feel unsure throughout the process, it’s wise to consult a professional mechanic. Proper maintenance of your vehicle's braking system is critical for safe driving, and performing these tasks with care can help ensure your vehicle remains reliable on the road.