how to adjust brake drums on cars

Dec . 13, 2024 23:56 Back to list

how to adjust brake drums on cars

How to Adjust Brake Drums on Cars A Comprehensive Guide

Adjusting brake drums on your vehicle is an essential part of vehicle maintenance that helps ensure safe and effective braking. Drum brakes are commonly used on the rear wheels of many cars, and over time, the brake shoes can wear down, leading to inefficiencies in stopping power. This article will guide you through the process of adjusting brake drums, providing you with a clear understanding and step-by-step instructions.

Understanding Brake Drums

Brake drums are cylindrical components that house the brake shoes. When you apply the brakes, hydraulic pressure pushes the brake shoes against the inside of the drum, creating friction that slows the vehicle. Proper adjustment of brake drums ensures that the shoes are in the right position for optimal braking performance. If not adjusted correctly, you may experience issues such as decreased braking efficiency, uneven wear, or excessive pedal travel.

When to Adjust Brake Drums

Before you dive into the adjustment process, it's crucial to know when your brake drums need attention. Signs that it may be time to adjust your brake drums include

- Increased braking distance If you find that your car takes longer to stop, it could be a sign that the brake shoes are not making adequate contact with the drum. - Uneven wear patterns Inspecting your brake shoes may reveal uneven wear; this often occurs when they are not properly adjusted. - Brake pedal feels soft A spongy or soft brake pedal can be an indication that your brake shoes are too far from the drum.

Tools You Will Need

Before you start, gather the following tools

- Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake drum puller - Socket set - Screwdriver - Brake cleaner - Rags or paper towels - Safety goggles

Step-by-Step Process to Adjust Brake Drums

1. Ensure Safety First Park your vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and wear safety goggles.

how to adjust brake drums on cars

2. Raise the Vehicle Use a jack to lift the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Remove the rear wheels using a lug wrench.

3. Remove the Brake Drums If the drums are stuck, you may need to use a brake drum puller to remove them. Clean the brake assembly with brake cleaner to remove any debris or dust.

4. Inspect the Brake Shoes Before making adjustments, check the condition of the brake shoes. Look for wear patterns, cracks, or any signs of damage. If they are excessively worn, consider replacing them.

5. Locate the Adjuster Most drum brakes have a star-wheel adjuster located at the rear of the brake assembly. This is what you will adjust to either widen or narrow the gap between the brake shoes and the drum.

6. Adjust the Brake Shoes - To tighten the brake shoes, turn the star wheel to expand the shoes outward. - If they are too tight, turn it in the opposite direction to retract the shoes. The goal is to have the shoes lightly contact the drum; you should feel slight drag when rotating the drum by hand.

7. Reassemble the Brake System Once the adjustment has been made, place the brake drum back onto the assembly. Ensure it spins freely without grinding, but also provides a slight resistance.

8. Reattach the Wheels Put the wheels back on, tightening the lug nuts in a star pattern for even torque.

9. Lower the Vehicle Carefully remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle back to the ground.

10. Test the Brakes Before driving, pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the shoes against the drum properly. Take your vehicle for a short test drive to ensure everything is functioning smoothly.

Conclusion

Regularly checking and adjusting your brake drums can significantly improve your vehicle's braking performance and prolong the life of the braking system. If you are not comfortable performing these adjustments yourself, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance. Safety should always come first; a properly functioning brake system is critical for safe driving.