how to replace brake drums

Nov . 05, 2024 14:45 Back to list

how to replace brake drums

How to Replace Brake Drums A Step-by-Step Guide

Replacing brake drums is an essential maintenance task for any vehicle owner concerned about safety and performance. Brake drums play a crucial role in the vehicle's braking system, particularly in older vehicles or those with drum brakes on the rear axles. This guide will provide you with a general overview of how to replace brake drums effectively.

Tools and Materials Needed Before starting, make sure you have the following tools and materials - A car jack and jack stands - A lug wrench - Brake drum puller (if necessary) - New brake drums - Brake shoes (if replacement is needed) - Brake cleaner - Basic hand tools (socket set, wrenches) - Safety glasses and gloves

Step 1 Prepare Your Vehicle Ensure your vehicle is parked on a flat surface. Engage the parking brake for safety. Using the lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel where you will be replacing the drum. Do not remove them completely.

Step 2 Raise the Vehicle Using the car jack, lift the vehicle and secure it on jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and take the wheel off. This will give you access to the brake assembly.

Step 3 Remove the Brake Drum Inspect the brake drum for retention screws. If present, remove these screws. If the drum is stuck due to rust or wear, you might need a brake drum puller to remove it gently. Be cautious and apply even pressure to avoid damaging the drum or surrounding components.

how to replace brake drums

Step 4 Inspect and Replace Brake Shoes Once the drum is removed, inspect the brake shoes for wear. If they are worn beyond the manufacturer’s specifications, it’s wise to replace them at the same time. Follow the manufacturer’s specifications to remove the old shoe assembly and install the new ones.

Step 5 Install New Brake Drums Before installing the new brake drums, clean the old wheel hub and ensure no debris or rust is present. Slide the new brake drums onto the wheel hub carefully, ensuring everything is aligned properly.

Step 6 Reassemble the Wheel Reattach the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle from the jack stands, and then torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications using a torque wrench.

Step 7 Final Checks Once the wheel is securely attached, press the brake pedal a few times before driving to ensure proper seating of the brake shoes in the new drum. Finally, test drive the vehicle at low speeds to verify that the brakes are functioning correctly.

Replacing brake drums can enhance your vehicle's braking efficiency and safety. If at any point you feel unsure, it’s always best to consult with or hire a professional mechanic.