Removing a brake drum can be a challenging task, but it is one that can be accomplished with the right tools and techniques. The brake drum is a critical component of the braking system, and it is responsible for transferring the force from the brake pads to the wheels. If the brake drum is not properly removed, it can damage the braking system and lead to a loss of braking power.
The first step in removing the brake drum is to remove the wheel. Once the wheel is removed, you will need to remove the brake caliper and the brake shoes. The brake caliper is the housing that contains the brake pads, and the brake shoes are the pads that make contact with the brake drum. Once the brake caliper and the brake shoes are removed, you will be able to access the brake drum.
To remove the brake drum, you will need to use a brake drum puller. A brake drum puller is a tool that is specifically designed to remove brake drums. The brake drum puller will fit over the brake drum, and it will use a series of bolts to pull the brake drum off of the axle. Once the brake drum is removed, you will be able to inspect it for wear and tear. If the brake drum is worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Safety Precautions
Tools and Equipment
Gather all necessary tools and equipment before beginning the task, including:
- Lug wrench
- Axle stands
- Wheel chocks
- Breaker bar
- Impact wrench (optional)
- Brake cleaner
- Brake gloves
- Rags
Personal Protective Equipment
- Safety glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris and chemicals.
- Gloves: Wear thick, leather gloves to prevent cuts and abrasions.
- Breathing mask: Use a respirator or dust mask to avoid inhaling harmful particles.
Safety Procedures
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Place wheel chocks behind the wheels opposite the one you’re working on.
- Loosen the lug nuts but do not remove them completely.
- Use an axle stand to safely support the vehicle and prevent it from falling.
- Gently shake the vehicle to ensure it is stable and will not roll.
Precautionary Measures
- Be aware of the location of brake fluid lines and components to avoid damage.
- Use only recommended tools and torque specifications to prevent overtightening and damage to the brake system.
- Dispose of brake fluid and brake dust safely according to local regulations.
| Tool | Usage |
|---|---|
| Breaker Bar | To loosen and tighten lug nuts. |
| Axle Stands | To support the vehicle safely while working. |
| Impact Wrench | To quickly remove and install lug nuts. (Optional) |
Gather Necessary Tools and Materials
Before embarking on the task of removing a brake drum, it is crucial to gather the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process. The following items are essential for the successful completion of this task:
Tools:
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Lug wrench | Used to loosen and remove the lug nuts that hold the tire in place. |
| Jack stand | Provides a stable and secure support for the vehicle while working on the brake system. |
| Brake drum puller | A specialized tool designed to exert force to separate the brake drum from the wheel hub. |
| Pry bar | Used to gently pry the brake drum away from the hub if it is stuck. |
| Hammer | Used to gently tap on the brake drum puller to aid in its removal. |
Materials:
In addition to the tools listed above, the following materials may also be helpful:
- Gloves
- Eye protection
- Penetrating oil (to loosen rusted bolts)
- Brake cleaner
- Wheel chocks
Loosen the Lug Nuts
Before you start working on the brake drum, it’s important to loosen the lug nuts that hold the wheel in place. You’ll need a lug wrench to do this, which is typically included with your vehicle’s toolkit.
To loosen the lug nuts, follow these steps:
- Place the lug wrench on the first lug nut and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Do not remove the lug nut completely at this point.
- Repeat this process for the remaining lug nuts on the wheel.
- Once all of the lug nuts are loose, you can use your hands to remove them completely.
Be careful not to overtighten the lug nuts when you put them back on after servicing the brake drum. Overtightening can damage the lug nuts and make them difficult to remove in the future.
Using a Power Tool to Loosen the Lug Nuts
If you’re having trouble loosening the lug nuts by hand, you can use a power tool such as an impact wrench. Be sure to use the correct socket size for the lug nuts and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the power tool.
Here’s a table summarizing the different ways to loosen lug nuts:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hand | – No special tools required | – Can be difficult if lug nuts are overtightened |
| Lug wrench | – More leverage than hand tightening | – Can still be difficult if lug nuts are overtightened |
| Impact wrench | – Powerful and easy to use | – Requires a power source and can be expensive |
Jack Up the Vehicle and Secure
Before you can start working on the brake drum, you need to jack up the vehicle and secure it. This will prevent the vehicle from rolling and ensure that you can work safely.
- Park the vehicle on a flat, stable surface. Engage the parking brake.
- Locate the jack points on the vehicle. These are usually located near the wheels.
- Place a jack stand under the jack point. Slowly raise the vehicle until it is about 6 inches off the ground.
- Secure the vehicle with wheel chocks. This will prevent the vehicle from rolling while you are working on it.
Removing the Brake Drum
Once the vehicle is secure, you can start removing the brake drum.
- Remove the lug nuts from the wheel.
- Pull the wheel off the hub.
- Locate the brake drum retaining screws. These are usually located around the circumference of the brake drum.
- Remove the brake drum retaining screws.
- Carefully pull the brake drum off the hub.
Remove the Wheel
1. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that needs the brake drum removed, but don’t remove them completely.
2. Safely lift the vehicle using a jack stand.
3. Remove the lug nuts and take the wheel off of the vehicle.
Pull Off the Brake Drum
4. Locate the two adjusting screw holes on the back of the brake backing plate.
5. To loosen the brake shoes, insert a flathead screwdriver into the adjusting screw hole and turn the screw clockwise. Continue turning the screw until it stops moving. Repeat this process for the other adjusting screw.
This step may require some force, so use a screwdriver that is long enough to provide you with good leverage. If the screws are particularly difficult to turn, you can try spraying them with penetrating oil to loosen them up. Use caution when using penetrating oil, as it can be flammable.
6. Once the brake shoes are loose, you should be able to pull the brake drum straight off of the wheel hub.
**Table: Brake Drum Removal Difficulty**
| Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|
| Easy | The brake drum comes off without much effort. |
| Medium | The brake drum is stuck but can be removed with some effort. |
| Hard | The brake drum is stuck and requires significant effort or special tools to remove. |
Loosen the Brake Drum Adjusting Screw
To loosen the brake drum adjusting screw, you will need a flathead screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver into the slot on the screw and turn it counterclockwise. The screw will be tight, so you may need to apply some force. Once the screw is loosened, you will be able to remove the brake drum.
Tips for Loosening the Brake Drum Adjusting Screw
- If the screw is particularly tight, you can try using a penetrating lubricant. Apply the lubricant to the screw and let it sit for a few minutes before attempting to loosen it.
- Be careful not to damage the screw or the brake drum. If you are having difficulty loosening the screw, you may want to consult a mechanic.
- Once the screw is loosened, you should be able to remove the brake drum by pulling it straight off the axle.
Additional Information
The brake drum adjusting screw is used to adjust the clearance between the brake shoes and the brake drum. Over time, the brake shoes will wear down, which will increase the clearance. This can lead to decreased braking performance. By adjusting the screw, you can reduce the clearance and restore braking performance.
The following table provides the specifications for the brake drum adjusting screw:
| Rear Brake Drum Adjusting Screw | |
|---|---|
| Size: | M8 x 1.25 |
| Length: | 25 mm |
| Torque: | 10-15 Nm |
Remove the Brake Drum Retainer Spring
The brake drum retainer spring is a small, coiled spring that holds the brake drum in place. To remove the spring, you will need a pair of pliers.
To remove the brake drum retainer spring, follow these steps:
- Locate the brake drum retainer spring. It is usually located on the back of the brake drum, near the top.
- Use a pair of pliers to grab the end of the spring.
- Pull the spring straight out of the brake drum.
- Once the spring is removed, you can remove the brake drum.
If you are having trouble removing the brake drum retainer spring, you can use a screwdriver to pry it out.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for removing the brake drum retainer spring:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the brake drum retainer spring. |
| 2 | Use a pair of pliers to grab the end of the spring. |
| 3 | Pull the spring straight out of the brake drum. |
| 4 | Once the spring is removed, you can remove the brake drum. |
Pull Off the Brake Drum
To pull off the brake drum, follow these steps:
1. Use a brake spoon or a large screwdriver to pry the brake drum off the axle.
2. Tap the brake drum with a hammer to loosen it.
3. Use a penetrating oil to lubricate the axle and the brake drum.
4. Use a puller to remove the brake drum.
5. Be careful not to damage the brake drum or the axle when removing it.
6. Clean the axle and the brake drum before reinstalling the brake drum.
7. Apply a small amount of anti-seize lubricant to the axle before reinstalling the brake drum.
8. Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Additional Details for Step 8
* Use a torque wrench to ensure that the lug nuts are tightened to the correct torque.
* Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to evenly distribute the force.
* Check the torque of the lug nuts after a few hundred miles to ensure that they are still tight.
| Lug Nut Size | Torque (ft-lbs) |
|—|—|
| 1/2 inch | 75-90 |
| 9/16 inch | 100-120 |
| 5/8 inch | 125-150 |
Inspect the Brake Components
Once the drum is off, it’s time to inspect the brake components. This includes the brake shoes, wheel cylinders, and springs.
Brake Shoes
The brake shoes are the main components that come into contact with the drum to create friction and slow the vehicle down. Inspect the brake shoes for any signs of wear or damage, such as:
- Cracks or breaks
- Uneven wear
- Glazing or hardening
- Contamination with grease or oil
Wheel Cylinders
The wheel cylinders are responsible for hydraulically activating the brake shoes. Inspect the wheel cylinders for any leaks, damage, or corrosion. If any of these issues are present, the wheel cylinder will need to be replaced.
Brake Springs
The brake springs are used to hold the brake shoes in place and ensure they make proper contact with the drum. Inspect the brake springs for any signs of damage or wear, such as:
- Broken or bent springs
- Weak or fatigued springs
- Rust or corrosion
Brake Drum
Inspect the brake drum for any signs of scoring, grooving, or excessive wear. Replace the brake drum if any of these conditions are present.
| Condition | Reason |
|---|---|
| Scoring or grooving | Caused by excessive heat or friction |
| Excessive wear | Caused by prolonged use or improper adjustment |
…
Reinstall the Brake Drum
1. Carefully guide the brake drum back onto the wheel hub.
2. Ensure that the drum is properly aligned and seated.
3. Tighten the wheel lug nuts by hand as much as possible.
4. Use a torque wrench to evenly tighten the lug nuts, following the manufacturer’s specified torque settings.
5. Install the brake shoes and adjust them according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
6. Bleed the brake system by depressing the brake pedal several times.
7. Check the brake fluid level and top up as necessary.
8. Test drive the vehicle to ensure that the brakes are functioning properly.
9. Reinstall the wheels and hubcaps or wheel covers.
10. If equipped, connect the wheel speed sensors to the ABS module.
11. Check and adjust the parking brake.
12. Clean up any tools and materials.
13. Double-check all connections and torque settings.
| Torque Settings | Size |
|---|---|
| 120 ft-lbs | 1/2-inch lug nuts |
| 150 ft-lbs | 9/16-inch lug nuts |
| 185 ft-lbs | 5/8-inch lug nuts |
How to Take Off Brake Drum
Taking off brake drum is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few steps. Here’s how to do it:
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you’re working on, but don’t remove them completely.
- Jack up the car and secure it with jack stands.
- Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
- Locate the brake drum and remove the dust cap.
- Use a brake drum puller to remove the brake drum.
Once the brake drum is off, you can inspect it for wear and tear. If the brake drum is worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced.
People also ask
How do you remove a brake drum without a puller?
If you don’t have a brake drum puller, you can try using a hammer and chisel to remove the brake drum. Place the chisel on the edge of the brake drum and tap it with the hammer. The brake drum should eventually come loose.
How do you know if a brake drum needs to be replaced?
There are a few signs that a brake drum needs to be replaced. These include:
- The brake drum is worn or damaged.
- The brake pedal feels spongy or pulsates.
- The car makes a squealing or grinding noise when you brake.
