How to Remove the Rear Brake Drum on a Mitsubishi Canter
Maintaining your Mitsubishi Canter is crucial for ensuring safety and optimal performance. One important aspect of this maintenance is the rear brake drum, which plays a significant role in the vehicle’s braking system. When it comes time to replace worn-out brake shoes or inspect the drum for wear, you need to know how to remove the rear brake drum effectively. Here’s a guide to help you through the process.
Tools Required Before you begin, gather the necessary tools a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, a brake drum removal tool, and basic hand tools like wrenches and screwdrivers. Having these tools ready will make the job much smoother.
Step 1 Safety First Start by ensuring the vehicle is parked on a flat surface. Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels to prevent rolling. Safety should always be your priority.
Step 2 Raise the Vehicle Use a jack to lift the rear of the Mitsubishi Canter and position jack stands under the vehicle for support
. Never rely solely on the jack to hold the vehicle in place while you work.Step 3 Remove the Wheels Using the lug wrench, loosen and remove the wheel nuts on the rear wheels. Carefully take off the wheels and set them aside to expose the brake drums.
Step 4 Inspect the Brake Assembly With the wheels removed, take a moment to inspect the brake assembly. Look for any signs of wear or damage that may need attention besides the brake drum itself.
Step 5 Remove the Brake Drum If the brake drum is stuck due to rust or debris, gently tap around the drum with a hammer to loosen it. If it’s still difficult to remove, utilize a brake drum removal tool designed to pull the drum off. Be cautious during this step to avoid damaging the brake components.
Step 6 Inspect and Clean Once the drum is removed, inspect its inner surface for grooves or scoring. If you notice significant wear, it may need to be replaced or resurfaced. Clean any dust and debris from the brake components, including the shoes and the backing plate.
Step 7 Reinstallation After inspecting and cleaning, if everything looks good, you can proceed to reinstall the drum. Align it properly and ensure it sits flush against the backing plate. Reattach the wheels, tighten the lug nuts, and lower the vehicle back onto the ground.
Conclusion Removing the rear brake drum on a Mitsubishi Canter may seem daunting, but with the right tools and a step-by-step approach, you can accomplish this task safely and effectively. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner manual for specific guidance and torque specifications. Regular maintenance of your braking system is essential for vehicle safety and reliability.