Adjusting drum brakes is a comparatively easy process that may be accomplished with a number of fundamental instruments. Nevertheless, it is very important observe the steps fastidiously 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’ll need to assemble a number of instruments. These embrace a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, a screwdriver, and a brake adjusting instrument. After getting your instruments, you’ll be able to start the method. Subsequent, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you’ll be adjusting. Don’t take away the lug nuts utterly.
Now, use the jack to boost the car and place the jack stands underneath the body. As soon as the car is safe, you’ll be able to take away the lug nuts and take off the wheel. Subsequent, find the brake adjusting star wheel. That is often positioned on the again of the brake backing plate. Use the brake adjusting instrument to show the star wheel. You’ll need to show the star wheel within the route that’s indicated by the arrow on the brake backing plate. As you flip the star wheel, you’ll really feel the brake sneakers transfer nearer to the brake drum. Proceed turning the star wheel till the brake sneakers are simply touching the brake drum.
Inspecting the Brake System
Earlier than adjusting the drum brakes, it is essential to totally examine the brake system to establish any potential points. This inspection entails a number of key steps to make sure the right functioning and security of your car’s braking system.
1. Visible Examination:
Start by visually inspecting all elements of the brake system, together with the brake calipers, pads, rotors, brake traces, and hoses. Search for any indicators of wear and tear, harm, or leaks. Verify the brake fluid stage and situation, making certain it’s on the right stage and freed from contamination.
2. Brake Pad Thickness:
Examine the brake pad thickness. Worn brake pads can cut back braking effectiveness and result in harm to the rotors. Discuss with your car proprietor’s handbook or seek the advice of a mechanic to find out the minimal really useful thickness on your brake pads.
3. Brake Rotor Situation:
Look at the brake rotors for any seen harm, comparable to cracks, warping, or extreme put on. Warped rotors could cause vibration throughout braking, whereas cracked rotors can compromise the integrity of the brake system.
4. Brake Line and Hose Inspection:
Verify the brake traces and hoses for any indicators of harm, corrosion, or leaks. Examine for any cracks, bulges, or comfortable spots within the traces. Leaking brake traces can result in lack of brake fluid and diminished braking efficiency.
Gathering the Crucial Instruments
Instruments Required:
To start adjusting your drum brakes, you will want to assemble the next instruments:
| – Jack stands | – Lug wrench |
| – Socket wrench or mixture wrench | – Brake cleaner |
| – Brake spring instrument | – Drum brake adjusting spoon |
| – Feeler gauge (optionally available) | – Anti-seize compound (optionally available) |
Further Instruments for Extra Thorough Upkeep:
Along with the important instruments listed above, you might also need to think about gathering the next for a extra thorough brake inspection and restore:
- Brake pads
- Brake sneakers
- 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 car on a stage, steady floor.
- Have interaction the parking brake.
- Place wheel chocks behind the wheels reverse those you will be engaged on.
- Put on security glasses and gloves.
Loosening the Brake Drums
Earlier than you’ll be able to modify the drum brakes, you should loosen the brake drums. To do that, you’ll need a wheel brace or lug wrench.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that has the brake drum you should modify. Don’t take away them utterly.
- Elevate 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 you should modify.
As soon as the brake drums are free, you’ll be able to modify them to the right 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’ll need to jack up the car and take away the wheel. As soon as the wheel is eliminated, you will notice a big metallic drum that’s hooked up to the wheel hub. To take away the drum, you’ll need to take away the cotter pin that’s holding the axle nut in place. As soon as the cotter pin is eliminated, you need to 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 drag the drum off of the wheel hub.
There are some things to bear in mind 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 suggestions 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 car 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 may Want
To regulate the star wheel, you will want the next instruments:
- Flathead screwdriver
- 10mm socket wrench
Steps
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Park your automobile on a stage floor and have interaction the parking brake.
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Find the star wheel by way of the entry gap within the backing plate behind every wheel. It is sometimes positioned on the backside of the brake drum.
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Insert the flathead screwdriver into the star wheel’s tooth and switch the wheel down (counterclockwise) to loosen the brake sneakers, permitting the drum to spin extra freely.
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If the drum continues 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 sneakers are correctly adjusted, observe these steps:
- Spin the wheel by hand and verify the clearance between the brake shoe and the drum floor.
- Use a feeler gauge to measure the clearance, which ought to be roughly 0.010" (0.25 mm).
- If the clearance is simply 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 sneakers 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 entails retightening the locknut that secures the brake sneakers 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, fastidiously tighten the locknut on the brake shoe adjuster. It is very important keep away from overtightening the locknut, as this will harm the adjuster or the brake sneakers. Intention 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 verify the brake adjustment. The brake sneakers ought to calmly contact the brake drum, offering a slight resistance to rotation. If the brakes are too tight, the wheel can be troublesome to show. If they’re too free, the brakes won’t be efficient.
3. Adjusting the Slack
If the brakes are too tight or too free, readjust the brake sneakers by turning the adjuster. To tighten the brakes, flip the adjuster clockwise; to loosen them, flip counterclockwise. Spin the wheel after every adjustment to verify 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 easy 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. If you happen to encounter any points or are not sure in regards to the adjustment, it is suggested to hunt the help of a professional mechanic.
5. Desk: Brake Adjustment Torque Specs
| Car 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: Have interaction 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 sneakers. If they’re caught, faucet them gently with a hammer and chisel.
5. Examine the Brake Sneakers: Verify the brake sneakers for put on, harm, or contamination. If obligatory, change the worn-out brake sneakers.
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 sneakers 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 obligatory, 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 car for a check drive and verify if the brakes are working correctly. Hear for any uncommon noises or vibrations.
Testing the Changes
After getting made the changes, it is vital to check them to make sure they’re right. This is how one can do it:
9. Testing the Drum Brake Changes in Element
To totally check the drum brake changes, observe these steps:
- Verify for extreme brake drag: Drive the car and apply mild stress to the brakes. If the car pulls to 1 facet or the brakes really feel sluggish, it signifies extreme brake drag.
- Verify for uneven braking: Apply the brakes firmly and observe the car’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 verify 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 sneakers and examine the distinction in put on between the first and secondary sneakers. There ought to be a noticeable distinction, indicating correct adjustment.
- Affirm even contact between brake sneakers and drum: With the brake sneakers put in, examine the contact floor between the sneakers and the within of the brake drum. The contact ought to be even across the complete circumference.
- Measure the brake drum diameter: Use a brake drum micrometer to measure the diameter of the brake drum and examine it to the specs supplied by the car producer. Be certain that the drum is inside acceptable tolerances.
- Confirm brake shoe clearance: With the brake sneakers put in and the star wheel adjuster free, verify the clearance between the sneakers and the drum. This clearance ought to meet the producer’s specs to make sure correct operation.
If any of those assessments point out an issue with the brake changes, it is vital to re-adjust the brakes and retest them till correct operation is achieved.
Troubleshooting Frequent Points
1. Brake Pedal Feels Spongy
Air within the brake traces could cause a spongy brake pedal. Bleed the brakes to take away any trapped air.
Notice: If bleeding the brakes doesn’t resolve the problem, there could also be a leak within the brake system. Examine the brake traces, 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 obligatory.
Notice: Pulsating brake pedal can be attributable to uneven pad put on. Examine the brake pads and change them if they’re worn erratically.
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 obligatory.
Notice: A tough brake pedal can 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 Ground
A brake pedal that goes to the ground may be attributable to a leak within the brake system. Examine the brake traces, grasp cylinder, and wheel cylinders for leaks.
Notice: A brake pedal that goes to the ground can be attributable to a defective brake booster or grasp cylinder. Examine the brake booster and grasp cylinder and change them if obligatory.
5. Brakes Squeal
Squealing brakes may be attributable to worn brake pads. Examine the brake pads and change them if they’re worn.
Notice: Squealing brakes can be attributable to a contaminated brake system. Flush the brake fluid and change the brake pads to resolve the problem.
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.
Notice: Dragging brakes can be attributable to a defective brake booster or grasp cylinder. Examine the brake booster and grasp cylinder and change them if obligatory.
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 obligatory.
Notice: Locking brakes can be attributable to a contaminated brake system. Flush the brake fluid and change the brake pads to resolve the problem.
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 obligatory.
Notice: Unbalanced brakes can be attributable to a leak within the brake system. Examine the brake traces, 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.
Notice: Fading brakes can be attributable to a contaminated brake system. Flush the brake fluid and change the brake pads to resolve the problem.
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 sneakers
- Seized brake adjusters
- Leaking wheel cylinders
- Defective parking brake cables
It is very important have your drum brakes inspected usually by a professional mechanic to forestall these issues from occurring.
Methods to Regulate a Drum Brake
Drum brakes are a kind of brake system that’s generally utilized in older autos. They’re additionally discovered on some newer autos, comparable to heavy-duty vans and trailers. Drum brakes work through the use of a set of brake sneakers to press in opposition to the within of a rotating drum. This creates friction, which slows down the car.
Drum brakes should be adjusted periodically to make sure that they’re working correctly. It is a comparatively easy course of that may be accomplished at house with a number of fundamental instruments. To regulate drum brakes, you’ll need the next:
*
- A jack
- Jack stands
- A lug wrench
- A screwdriver
- A brake adjustment instrument
After getting gathered your instruments, observe these steps to regulate your drum brakes:
1.
Park your car on a stage floor and have interaction the parking brake.
2.
Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you’ll be adjusting.
3.
Increase the car 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 often positioned on the again of the brake backing plate.
6.
Insert the brake adjustment instrument into the star wheel and switch it till the brake sneakers 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 car and take away the jack stands.
Folks Additionally Ask About Methods to Regulate a Drum Brake
What are the indicators that my drum brakes should be adjusted?
There are a number of indicators that your drum brakes could should be adjusted. These embrace:
- The brake pedal feels spongy.
- The car pulls to 1 facet when braking.
- The brakes make a squealing noise when utilized.
Can I modify drum brakes myself?
Sure, you’ll be able to modify drum brakes your self with a number of fundamental instruments. Nevertheless, if you’re not snug working in your car, it’s best to have a professional mechanic modify your brakes.
How usually ought to I modify my drum brakes?
Drum brakes ought to be adjusted each 10,000 to 12,000 miles. Nevertheless, this may increasingly fluctuate relying in your driving habits and the situation of your brakes.
