When working correctly, drum brakes are simply as efficient as disc brakes, and require much less upkeep, however after they’re not performing properly, you have to entry the issue quick. It is attainable to regulate drum brakes your self, and it is a comparatively easy challenge that can require minimal funding by way of money and time. Earlier than you start, decide in case your automobile has drum brakes by the kind of lug nuts on every wheel. Lug nuts which have a flat face are used to entry disc brakes, whereas lug nuts which have a cone form are used to entry drum brakes.
Subsequent, collect some fundamental instruments and supplies: a ground jack, a jack stand, a lug wrench, a big flathead screwdriver, a brake adjusting spoon, and a flashlight. Security ought to be your high precedence, so earlier than you elevate your automobile, discover a stable, degree floor to carry out the restore. Apply the parking brake to maintain the automobile from shifting, then use the ground jack and jack stand to elevate the automobile. Take away the lug nuts with the lug wrench and thoroughly take away the wheel. After you determine the brake drum, take away the brake drum by pulling it straight towards you.
Examine the brake sneakers and modify them as wanted with the brake adjusting spoon. If the sneakers are worn down, change them with new ones. Examine the brake drum for any indicators of injury, resembling cracks or gouges. If the brake drum is broken, change it with a brand new one. Reinstall the brake drum and wheel, then tighten the lug nuts. Decrease the automobile and take away the jack stand. Pump the brake pedal a number of occasions to construct strain within the brake system and examine the brake adjustment. If obligatory, make additional changes till the brakes are working correctly.
Figuring out the Brake System
Earlier than adjusting the drum brake, it’s essential to find out the kind of brake system put in in your automobile. There are two main brake methods generally present in automobiles: disc brake methods and drum brake methods.
Drum brake methods are characterised by the presence of brake drums, that are cylindrical parts that enclose the brake sneakers. When the brake pedal is depressed, hydraulic strain forces the brake sneakers to develop towards the interior floor of the brake drum, creating friction and slowing down the automobile. Drum brake methods are sometimes much less environment friendly than disc brake methods however are cheaper and simpler to keep up.
Disc brake methods, then again, make the most of brake calipers and brake discs (also referred to as rotors). When the brake pedal is utilized, hydraulic strain pushes brake pads towards the brake discs, producing friction and stopping the automobile. Disc brake methods supply improved braking efficiency, decreased fade, and elevated sturdiness in comparison with drum brake methods.
| Brake System Sort | Key Parts |
|---|---|
| Drum Brake System | Brake drums, brake sneakers |
| Disc Brake System | Brake calipers, brake pads, brake discs (rotors) |
To find out the kind of brake system in your automobile, visually examine the wheels. Drum brake methods may have brake drums seen behind the wheels, whereas disc brake methods may have brake calipers adjoining to the brake discs.
Gathering Obligatory Instruments
Earlier than embarking on the duty of adjusting drum brakes, it’s essential to collect the mandatory instruments to make sure the job is completed effectively and safely. The next listing outlines the important instruments required:
Jack and Jack Stands
A jack is important to raise the automobile, whereas jack stands present stability and security throughout the adjustment course of. Be certain that the jack is of an acceptable tonnage capability for the load of the automobile and that the jack stands are rated for a similar.
Lug Wrench or Impression Wrench
A lug wrench or affect wrench is required to take away and reinstall the lug nuts that safe the wheel to the hub. It is very important choose the proper measurement and sort of wrench for the lug nuts on the automobile.
Drum Brake Adjusting Software
A drum brake adjusting device is particularly designed to rotate the brake adjuster star wheel, which adjusts the brake shoe clearance. This specialised device is essential for reaching exact changes.
Wheel Chocks
Wheel chocks stop the automobile from rolling whereas it’s elevated on the jack and jack stands. Place the chocks behind the wheels reverse the facet being labored on to make sure stability.
Security Glasses and Gloves
Security glasses and gloves defend the eyes and arms from potential particles or sharp edges throughout the adjustment course of.
Along with the instruments listed above, a flashlight or headlamp could also be useful for illuminating the work space, particularly if the changes are being carried out in a dimly lit atmosphere.
Inserting the Adjustment Software
To entry the brake adjuster, you will must take away the drum. As soon as the drum is off, find the star-shaped adjuster wheel on the again of the brake plate. Insert the adjustment device, normally a flathead screwdriver or a particular brake adjuster device, into one of many slots on the wheel.
Figuring out the Brake Adjuster Wheel
The brake adjuster wheel is often positioned on the again of the brake plate, behind the brake sneakers. It might be coated by a rubber plug or cap. In the event you’re having issue discovering it, seek advice from your automobile’s restore guide or seek the advice of with a mechanic.
Selecting the Appropriate Adjustment Software
The suitable adjustment device relies on the kind of brake system utilized in your automobile. Most trendy automobiles use a flathead screwdriver, however older fashions or automobiles with particular brake methods might require a special device. Seek the advice of your automobile’s restore guide or a mechanic to determine the proper device to your automobile.
Inserting the Adjustment Software into the Slot
After you have recognized the adjuster wheel and chosen the proper device, insert the device into one of many slots on the wheel. Be sure the device is totally engaged within the slot to stop it from slipping or damaging the wheel.
Guaranteeing Correct Brake Shoe Clearance
Correct brake shoe clearance is essential for easy and efficient braking. Listed here are the steps to make sure it:
1. Carry and Safe the Car
Jack up the automobile and place it on jack stands for secure and quick access to the brake meeting.
2. Take away the Wheel
Take away the lug nuts and thoroughly take off the wheel to show the brake drum.
3. Examine the Brake Drum
Test for any injury, put on, or contamination on the brake drum. Clear the floor with a wire brush if obligatory.
4. Reinstall the Wheel
Quickly reinstall the wheel with out tightening the lug nuts. This can assist align the brake sneakers.
5. Modify the Star Wheel
Find the star wheel or adjuster positioned on the backing plate. Use a flathead screwdriver to show the star wheel in small increments. One click on at a time is usually ample.
6. Take a look at Brake Engagement
Repeatedly pump the brake pedal and rotate the wheel by hand. The brake sneakers ought to make contact with the drum however not drag excessively.
7. Advantageous-Tune the Adjustment
As soon as the preliminary adjustment is made, use a feeler gauge to measure the clearance between the brake sneakers and the drum. The clearance ought to be as follows:
| Drum Diameter | Clearance |
|---|---|
| <10 inches | 0.015 – 0.030 inches |
| 10 inches or bigger | 0.030 – 0.060 inches |
Proceed fine-tuning the adjustment till the proper clearance is achieved. The brake sneakers ought to contact the drum evenly across the circumference.
Tightening Locknut
With the locknut in place, it is time to tighten it down. Start through the use of a wrench to snugly tighten the locknut towards the backing plate. As soon as it is safe, use a pair of pliers to additional tighten the locknut by about 1/4 to 1/2 flip. This can be certain that the locknut is satisfactorily tightened however not overtightened, which might injury the threads.
Warning: Don’t overtighten the locknut, as this might trigger injury to the backing plate or the brake drum.
| Software(s) Required | Goal |
|---|---|
| Wrench | To tighten the locknut |
| Pliers | To additional tighten the locknut |
Tip: If you do not have pliers, you need to use a hammer and a nail to tighten the locknut. Merely place the nail on the top of the locknut and gently faucet it with the hammer till the locknut is tight.
The way to Modify a Drum Brake
Drum brakes are a sort of brake system that makes use of a rotating drum to sluggish or cease a automobile’s wheels. The drum brake system consists of a wheel cylinder, brake sneakers, brake drums, and a return spring. The wheel cylinder is linked to the brake pedal and is chargeable for activating the brake sneakers. When the brake pedal is depressed, the wheel cylinder pushes the brake sneakers towards the interior floor of the brake drums, which in flip slows or stops the automobile’s wheels.
Drum brakes require periodic adjustment to make sure that they’re working correctly. To regulate a drum brake, you’ll need the next instruments:
- Jack and jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Flathead screwdriver
- Drum brake adjusting spoon
- Brake cleaner
- Brake fluid
After you have gathered the mandatory instruments, you possibly can comply with these steps to regulate a drum brake:
1. Park the automobile on a degree floor and have interaction the parking brake.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you’re going to modify, however don’t take away them fully.
3. Increase the automobile utilizing the jack and jack stands.
4. Take away the lug nuts and wheel.
5. Use the flathead screwdriver to take away the brake drum retaining screws.
6. Pull the brake drum off of the wheel hub.
7. Examine the brake sneakers and brake drums for put on or injury. If the brake sneakers or brake drums are worn or broken, they need to get replaced.
8. Use the brake brake adjusting spoon to regulate the brake sneakers. The brake sneakers ought to be adjusted in order that they’re about 1/16 of an inch away from the brake drums.
9. Substitute the brake drum and brake drum retaining screws.
10. Repeat steps 2-9 for the opposite wheel.
11. Decrease the automobile and tighten the lug nuts.
12. Take a look at the brakes to be sure that they’re working correctly.
Individuals Additionally Ask About The way to Modify a Drum Brake
What are the indicators and signs of a drum brake that must be adjusted?
The next are a number of the indicators and signs of a drum brake that must be adjusted:
- The brake pedal feels spongy or gentle.
- The automobile pulls to at least one facet when braking.
- The brake pads are making a squealing noise.
- The automobile’s brakes will not be stopping the automobile as successfully as they need to.
How typically ought to drum brakes be adjusted?
Drum brakes ought to be adjusted each 10,000 to fifteen,000 miles, or as wanted.
Can I modify drum brakes myself?
Sure, you possibly can modify drum brakes your self, however you will need to comply with the steps rigorously and to be sure that the brakes are adjusted correctly. If you’re not snug adjusting drum brakes your self, you possibly can all the time take your automobile to a mechanic.
How a lot does it price to regulate drum brakes?
The price to regulate drum brakes varies relying on the make and mannequin of the automobile. Nonetheless, the common price to regulate drum brakes is between $50 and $100.
