Adjusting drum brakes is a comparatively easy activity that may be accomplished with a couple of primary instruments. Nonetheless, it is very important observe the steps rigorously to make sure that the brakes are correctly adjusted. Failure to take action might end in decreased braking efficiency and even brake failure. Moreover, common brake changes will assist to increase the lifetime of your brake pads and drums.
Earlier than you start, you will want to collect a couple of instruments. These embrace a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, a screwdriver, and a brake adjusting device. After you have your instruments, you may start the method. Subsequent, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you can be adjusting. Don’t take away the lug nuts fully.
Now, use the jack to boost the automobile and place the jack stands below the body. As soon as the automobile is safe, you may take away the lug nuts and take off the wheel. Subsequent, find the brake adjusting star wheel. That is normally situated on the again of the brake backing plate. Use the brake adjusting device to show the star wheel. You will want to show the star wheel within the course that’s indicated by the arrow on the brake backing plate. As you flip the star wheel, you’ll really feel the brake footwear transfer nearer to the brake drum. Proceed turning the star wheel till the brake footwear are simply touching the brake drum.
Inspecting the Brake System
Earlier than adjusting the drum brakes, it is essential to completely examine the brake system to determine any potential points. This inspection includes a number of key steps to make sure the correct functioning and security of your automobile’s braking system.
1. Visible Examination:
Start by visually inspecting all elements of the brake system, together with the brake calipers, pads, rotors, brake strains, and hoses. Search for any indicators of damage, harm, or leaks. Verify the brake fluid degree and situation, making certain it’s on the right degree and freed from contamination.
2. Brake Pad Thickness:
Examine the brake pad thickness. Worn brake pads can scale back braking effectiveness and result in harm to the rotors. Discuss with your automobile proprietor’s handbook or seek the advice of a mechanic to find out the minimal really helpful thickness in your brake pads.
3. Brake Rotor Situation:
Study the brake rotors for any seen harm, similar to cracks, warping, or extreme put on. Warped rotors may cause vibration throughout braking, whereas cracked rotors can compromise the integrity of the brake system.
4. Brake Line and Hose Inspection:
Verify the brake strains and hoses for any indicators of injury, corrosion, or leaks. Examine for any cracks, bulges, or tender spots within the strains. Leaking brake strains can result in lack of brake fluid and decreased braking efficiency.
Gathering the Vital Instruments
Instruments Required:
To start adjusting your drum brakes, you may want to collect the next instruments:
| – Jack stands | – Lug wrench |
| – Socket wrench or mixture wrench | – Brake cleaner |
| – Brake spring device | – Drum brake adjusting spoon |
| – Feeler gauge (non-obligatory) | – Anti-seize compound (non-obligatory) |
Extra Instruments for Extra Thorough Upkeep:
Along with the important instruments listed above, you may additionally wish to think about gathering the next for a extra thorough brake inspection and restore:
- Brake pads
- Brake footwear
- Brake {hardware} equipment
- Brake caliper
- Brake rotors
- Brake fluid
Security Precautions:
Earlier than beginning any brake work, it’s essential to take the mandatory security precautions:
- Park the automobile on a degree, secure floor.
- Interact the parking brake.
- Place wheel chocks behind the wheels reverse those you may be engaged on.
- Put on security glasses and gloves.
Loosening the Brake Drums
Earlier than you may modify the drum brakes, it’s good to loosen the brake drums. To do that, you will want a wheel brace or lug wrench.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that has the brake drum it’s good to modify. Don’t take away them fully.
- Raise the automobile and help it on jack stands.
- Take away the lug nuts by hand and take away the wheel.
- Find the brake drum. It’s the massive, spherical metallic half that’s hooked up to the wheel hub.
- There are two or extra small holes within the brake drum. Insert a small screwdriver or nail into one of many holes and pry the brake drum off the wheel hub.
- Repeat steps 5–7 for the opposite wheel with the brake drum it’s good to modify.
As soon as the brake drums are free, you may modify them to the correct specs. Comply with the directions within the subsequent part to do that.
Eradicating the Drums
Step one in adjusting a drum brake is to take away the drums. To do that, you will want to jack up the automobile and take away the wheel. As soon as the wheel is eliminated, you will note a big metallic drum that’s hooked up to the wheel hub. To take away the drum, you will want to take away the cotter pin that’s holding the axle nut in place. As soon as the cotter pin is eliminated, you should use a socket wrench to take away the axle nut. As soon as the axle nut is eliminated, it is possible for you to to tug the drum off of the wheel hub.
There are some things to remember when eradicating the drums. First, the drums may be heavy, so watch out when lifting them. Second, the drums could also be rusted or corroded, so you could want to make use of a hammer to interrupt them free. Lastly, watch out to not harm the axle or the wheel hub when eradicating the drums.
Listed here are some ideas for eradicating the drums:
- Use a penetrating oil to assist loosen the rusted or corroded bolts.
- Use a hammer to faucet the drum across the edges to assist break it free.
- Watch out to not harm the axle or the wheel hub when eradicating the drums.
| 1. | Jack up the automobile and take away the wheel. |
| 2. | Take away the cotter pin that’s holding the axle nut in place. |
| 3. | Use a socket wrench to take away the axle nut. |
| 4. | Pull the drum off of the wheel hub. |
Adjusting the Star Wheel
Instruments You will Want
To regulate the star wheel, you may want the next instruments:
- Flathead screwdriver
- 10mm socket wrench
Steps
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Park your automobile on a degree floor and interact the parking brake.
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Find the star wheel by the entry gap within the backing plate behind every wheel. It is usually situated on the backside of the brake drum.
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Insert the flathead screwdriver into the star wheel’s enamel and switch the wheel down (counterclockwise) to loosen the brake footwear, permitting the drum to spin extra freely.
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If the drum remains to be too tight, proceed turning the star wheel down in small increments till the drum spins easily by hand with a slight quantity of drag.
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Checking Brake Shoe Clearance
To make sure the brake footwear are correctly adjusted, observe these steps:
- Spin the wheel by hand and test the clearance between the brake shoe and the drum floor.
- Use a feeler gauge to measure the clearance, which needs to be roughly 0.010" (0.25 mm).
- If the clearance is just too small, modify the star wheel down additional. If it is too massive, modify the star wheel up barely.
- Repeat this course of till you obtain the specified clearance.
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As soon as the brake footwear are correctly adjusted, tighten the locknut on the star wheel utilizing the 10mm socket wrench.
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Repeat the adjustment course of for the opposite rear wheel.
Retightening the Locknut
The ultimate step in adjusting a drum brake includes retightening the locknut that secures the brake footwear in place. This step is essential to make sure that the brakes operate correctly and forestall any potential security hazards.
1. Tightening the Locknut
Utilizing an applicable wrench or socket, rigorously tighten the locknut on the brake shoe adjuster. You will need to keep away from overtightening the locknut, as this will harm the adjuster or the brake footwear. Goal for a agency and safe match that permits the adjuster to maneuver freely with none play.
2. Checking the Adjustment
As soon as the locknut is tightened, spin the wheel to test the brake adjustment. The brake footwear ought to evenly contact the brake drum, offering a slight resistance to rotation. If the brakes are too tight, the wheel will probably be tough to show. If they’re too free, the brakes is not going to be efficient.
3. Adjusting the Slack
If the brakes are too tight or too free, readjust the brake footwear by turning the adjuster. To tighten the brakes, flip the adjuster clockwise; to loosen them, flip counterclockwise. Spin the wheel after every adjustment to test the brake really feel and make fine-tuning changes as wanted.
4. Guaranteeing Correct Operation
Repeat the adjustment course of till the brakes present a clean and balanced really feel when utilized. The wheels ought to spin freely when the brakes should not utilized and cease or decelerate successfully when the brakes are engaged. For those who encounter any points or are uncertain in regards to the adjustment, it is strongly recommended to hunt the help of a professional mechanic.
5. Desk: Brake Adjustment Torque Specs
| Automobile Make/Mannequin | Locknut Torque (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | 18-24 |
| Chevrolet Silverado | 15-20 |
| Toyota Camry | 9-13 |
Changing the Drums
1. Security First: Interact the parking brake and chock the wheels reverse the drum being changed.
2. Take away the Wheel: Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench, then take away them and the wheel.
3. Detach the Backing Plate: Take away the retaining bolts holding the backing plate in place. Rigorously pry the backing plate away from the axle utilizing a flat-head screwdriver or pry bar.
4. Take away the Drums: Slide the drums off the brake footwear. If they’re caught, faucet them gently with a hammer and chisel.
5. Examine the Brake Footwear: Verify the brake footwear for put on, harm, or contamination. If mandatory, change the worn-out brake footwear.
6. Clear the Backing Plate: Take away any filth, rust, or particles from the backing plate and axle hub utilizing a wire brush or sandpaper.
7. **Put together the New Drums:** Lubricate the brake shoe contact surfaces of the brand new drums with anti-squeal compound or brake grease. This prevents squealing and ensures correct braking efficiency.
8. Set up the New Drums: Slide the brand new drums over the brake footwear and onto the axle hub.
9. Reattach the Backing Plate: Rigorously place the backing plate and safe it with the retaining bolts.
10. Set up the Wheel: Place the wheel on the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the required torque.
11. Bleed the Brakes: If mandatory, bleed the brakes to take away any air that will have entered the brake system throughout the substitute course of.
12. Take a look at Drive: Take the automobile for a take a look at drive and test if the brakes are working correctly. Hear for any uncommon noises or vibrations.
Testing the Changes
After you have made the changes, it is essential to check them to make sure they’re right. Here is tips on how to do it:
9. Testing the Drum Brake Changes in Element
To completely take a look at the drum brake changes, observe these steps:
- Verify for extreme brake drag: Drive the automobile and apply mild strain to the brakes. If the automobile pulls to 1 aspect or the brakes really feel sluggish, it signifies extreme brake drag.
- Verify for uneven braking: Apply the brakes firmly and observe the automobile’s habits. If one wheel locks up earlier than the others, it suggests uneven braking distribution.
- Guarantee correct pedal really feel: The brake pedal ought to present agency and constant resistance with out feeling too spongy or mushy.
- Hear for any uncommon noises: Whereas driving or making use of the brakes, take note of any grinding, squealing, or different irregular sounds that will point out an issue with the brake adjustment.
- Examine the brake put on: Take away the brake drums and test the brake pads for even put on. Uneven put on patterns could point out improper changes.
- Validate the distinction in brake shoe put on: Take away each brake footwear and evaluate the distinction in put on between the first and secondary footwear. There needs to be a noticeable distinction, indicating correct adjustment.
- Affirm even contact between brake footwear and drum: With the brake footwear put in, examine the contact floor between the footwear and the within of the brake drum. The contact needs to be even across the total circumference.
- Measure the brake drum diameter: Use a brake drum micrometer to measure the diameter of the brake drum and evaluate it to the specs supplied by the automobile producer. Be sure that the drum is inside acceptable tolerances.
- Confirm brake shoe clearance: With the brake footwear put in and the star wheel adjuster free, test the clearance between the footwear and the drum. This clearance ought to meet the producer’s specs to make sure correct operation.
If any of those checks point out an issue with the brake changes, it is essential to re-adjust the brakes and retest them till correct operation is achieved.
Troubleshooting Widespread Points
1. Brake Pedal Feels Spongy
Air within the brake strains may cause a spongy brake pedal. Bleed the brakes to take away any trapped air.
Observe: If bleeding the brakes doesn’t resolve the difficulty, there could also be a leak within the brake system. Examine the brake strains, grasp cylinder, and wheel cylinders for leaks.
2. Brake Pedal Pulsates
Pulsating brake pedal may be attributable to warped brake drums or rotors. Have the brake drums or rotors inspected and changed if mandatory.
Observe: Pulsating brake pedal may also be attributable to uneven pad put on. Examine the brake pads and change them if they’re worn inconsistently.
3. Brake Pedal Is Onerous To Press
A tough brake pedal may be attributable to a defective brake booster or grasp cylinder. Examine the brake booster and grasp cylinder and change them if mandatory.
Observe: A tough brake pedal may also be attributable to a seized caliper or wheel cylinder. Examine the calipers and wheel cylinders and change them if they’re seized.
4. Brake Pedal Goes To The Flooring
A brake pedal that goes to the ground may be attributable to a leak within the brake system. Examine the brake strains, grasp cylinder, and wheel cylinders for leaks.
Observe: A brake pedal that goes to the ground may also be attributable to a defective brake booster or grasp cylinder. Examine the brake booster and grasp cylinder and change them if mandatory.
5. Brakes Squeal
Squealing brakes may be attributable to worn brake pads. Examine the brake pads and change them if they’re worn.
Observe: Squealing brakes may also be attributable to a contaminated brake system. Flush the brake fluid and change the brake pads to resolve the difficulty.
6. Brakes Drag
Dragging brakes may be attributable to a seized caliper or wheel cylinder. Examine the calipers and wheel cylinders and change them if they’re seized.
Observe: Dragging brakes may also be attributable to a defective brake booster or grasp cylinder. Examine the brake booster and grasp cylinder and change them if mandatory.
7. Brakes Lock Up
Locking brakes may be attributable to a defective proportioning valve or ABS module. Examine the proportioning valve and ABS module and change them if mandatory.
Observe: Locking brakes may also be attributable to a contaminated brake system. Flush the brake fluid and change the brake pads to resolve the difficulty.
8. Brakes Really feel Unbalanced
Unbalanced brakes may be attributable to a defective brake proportioning valve or ABS module. Examine the proportioning valve and ABS module and change them if mandatory.
Observe: Unbalanced brakes may also be attributable to a leak within the brake system. Examine the brake strains, grasp cylinder, and wheel cylinders for leaks.
9. Brakes Fade
Fading brakes may be attributable to overheated brake pads or rotors. Enable the brakes to chill down earlier than utilizing them once more.
Observe: Fading brakes may also be attributable to a contaminated brake system. Flush the brake fluid and change the brake pads to resolve the difficulty.
10. Different Points
Along with the problems listed above, there are a selection of different issues that may happen with drum brakes. These embrace:
- Brake mud
- Glazed brake pads
- Cracked or damaged brake footwear
- Seized brake adjusters
- Leaking wheel cylinders
- Defective parking brake cables
You will need to have your drum brakes inspected frequently by a professional mechanic to forestall these issues from occurring.
Easy methods to Regulate a Drum Brake
Drum brakes are a sort of brake system that’s generally utilized in older autos. They’re additionally discovered on some newer autos, similar to heavy-duty vans and trailers. Drum brakes work through the use of a set of brake footwear to press in opposition to the within of a rotating drum. This creates friction, which slows down the automobile.
Drum brakes should be adjusted periodically to make sure that they’re working correctly. This can be a comparatively easy course of that may be achieved at dwelling with a couple of primary instruments. To regulate drum brakes, you will want the next:
*
- A jack
- Jack stands
- A lug wrench
- A screwdriver
- A brake adjustment device
After you have gathered your instruments, observe these steps to regulate your drum brakes:
1.
Park your automobile on a degree floor and interact the parking brake.
2.
Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you can be adjusting.
3.
Increase the automobile utilizing the jack and safe it with the jack stands.
4.
Take away the lug nuts and wheel.
5.
Find the brake adjustment star wheel. It’s normally situated on the again of the brake backing plate.
6.
Insert the brake adjustment device into the star wheel and switch it till the brake footwear simply make contact with the drum.
7.
Again off the star wheel 1/4 to 1/2 flip.
8.
Reinstall the wheel and lug nuts.
9.
Repeat steps 1-8 for the opposite wheel.
10.
Decrease the automobile and take away the jack stands.
Folks Additionally Ask About Easy methods to Regulate a Drum Brake
What are the indicators that my drum brakes should be adjusted?
There are a couple of indicators that your drum brakes could should be adjusted. These embrace:
- The brake pedal feels spongy.
- The automobile pulls to 1 aspect when braking.
- The brakes make a squealing noise when utilized.
Can I modify drum brakes myself?
Sure, you may modify drum brakes your self with a couple of primary instruments. Nonetheless, in case you are not snug working in your automobile, it’s best to have a professional mechanic modify your brakes.
How typically ought to I modify my drum brakes?
Drum brakes needs to be adjusted each 10,000 to 12,000 miles. Nonetheless, this may occasionally differ relying in your driving habits and the situation of your brakes.
