Mitsubishi Lancer Rear Drum Brakes

feb. . 12, 2025 12:11 Back to list

Mitsubishi Lancer Rear Drum Brakes

Removing rusty brake drums is a task that many vehicle owners might find daunting, but it's essential for maintaining the safety and performance of your vehicle. For those who want to tackle this project themselves, understanding the right technique and tools is crucial. This guide aims to equip you with the expertise required to effectively remove rusty brake drums, while ensuring safety and reliability.

how to remove rusty brake drums

Before you begin, assemble the necessary tools. You'll need protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, a floor jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, a rubber mallet, penetrating oil, brake cleaner, and possibly a drum puller for particularly stubborn drums. Start by parking your vehicle on a level surface and turning off the engine. Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the wheels to prevent any movement. Using the lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel with the rusty brake drum. Do not fully remove them at this stage.

how to remove rusty brake drums

Use the floor jack to lift the vehicle, then secure it with jack stands for stability. Once the vehicle is lifted and secure, finish removing the lug nuts using the lug wrench and carefully take off the wheel to expose the brake drum. Rust can make drums adhere tightly, making removal challenging. Begin by spraying penetrating oil around the center of the drum, focusing on the wheel hub. Allow the oil to seep in for about 10 to 15 minutes; this helps in breaking down the rust for easier removal. With your safety equipment on, gently tap the face of the drum with a rubber mallet, working in a circular pattern around the circumference. This tapping helps to loosen the hold rust has on the drum. Be careful not to use excessive force as it might damage the drum or other components.how to remove rusty brake drums
If tapping does not release the drum, you may need to adjust the brake shoes. Locate the brake adjuster slot on the back of the assembly. Insert a brake adjuster tool or a flathead screwdriver through the slot and rotate the adjuster wheel to retract the brake shoes slightly. This adjustment should help create enough clearance for the drum to come off. Should these steps still fail to dislodge the drum, it's time to use a drum puller. Attach the puller according to its instructions, ensuring it's securely fastened to the drum before tightening. Gradually tighten the center bolt of the puller—this should provide the necessary force to break the rust's grip without damaging surrounding components. Once the drum is removed, inspect it and the internal components, such as the brake shoes and springs, for any additional wear or rust. Clean the drum with brake cleaner to remove any remaining rust particles, ensuring it is thoroughly dried before reinstalling. When it comes to fitting the drum back, press it gently into place, making sure it sits properly against the hub. Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Carefully lower the vehicle using the jack and remove the jack stands. Finally, tighten the lug nuts fully in a star pattern to ensure even tension, which helps prevent warping. Regular maintenance and cleaning can prevent rust from becoming a problem in the future. Consider periodic inspection and application of anti-seize on contact surfaces to help keep the drums rust-free. This preventive measure keeps your braking system efficient and reliable, enhancing your vehicle's overall safety. By carefully following these steps with the right tools and attention to detail, you'll be demonstrating expertise and reliability in maintaining your vehicle, ensuring both safety and longevity.