How to Take a Drum Brake Off in 5 Simple Steps * macrodroid.com

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Drum brakes are a type of brake that uses friction to slow or stop a vehicle. They are typically found on the rear wheels of vehicles, but can also be found on the front wheels of some older vehicles. Drum brakes are less effective than disc brakes, but they are also less expensive and easier to maintain. If you need to remove a drum brake, it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the brake or the vehicle.

The first step is to gather the necessary tools. You will need a jack, a jack stand, a lug wrench, and a socket wrench. You may also need a hammer and a chisel. Once you have gathered the necessary tools, you can begin the process of removing the drum brake. The first step is to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you are working on. Do not remove the lug nuts completely at this time. Once the lug nuts are loosened, you can use the jack to raise the vehicle. Be sure to use a jack stand to support the vehicle while you are working on it. Once the vehicle is raised, you can remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.

Once the wheel is removed, you will need to remove the brake drum. The brake drum is held in place by a series of bolts. Remove the bolts and then pull the brake drum off of the wheel hub. Once the brake drum is removed, you will need to remove the brake shoes. The brake shoes are held in place by a series of springs. Remove the springs and then pull the brake shoes off of the backing plate. Once the brake shoes are removed, you can remove the brake cylinder. The brake cylinder is held in place by a series of bolts. Remove the bolts and then pull the brake cylinder off of the backing plate. Once the brake cylinder is removed, you will have successfully removed the drum brake.

Identifying the Drum Brake Components

The Drum

The drum is a cylindrical-shaped metal component that encloses the brake shoes and other brake components. It is attached to the wheel hub and rotates with the wheel. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake shoes press against the inner surface of the drum, creating friction and slowing down the wheel.

The Backing Plate

The backing plate is a metal plate that is mounted behind the drum. It supports the brake shoes and provides a mounting point for the wheel cylinder and other brake components. The backing plate also helps to dissipate heat generated by braking.

The Brake Shoes

The brake shoes are curved or crescent-shaped metal components that are lined with a friction material. They are mounted on the backing plate and press against the inner surface of the drum when the brake pedal is pressed. The friction between the brake shoes and the drum creates the braking force.

The Wheel Cylinder

The wheel cylinder is a hydraulic component that converts hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder into mechanical force. It is mounted on the backing plate and contains pistons that push the brake shoes against the drum when the brake pedal is pressed.

The Springs

Springs are used in drum brakes to return the brake shoes to their initial position after the brake pedal is released. There are two types of springs used in drum brakes: return springs and parking brake springs. Return springs are located between the brake shoes and the backing plate, while parking brake springs are located between the brake shoes and the wheel cylinder.

Gathering the Necessary Tools

Before embarking on the process of removing a drum brake, it is crucial to gather the necessary tools to ensure the task is completed safely and efficiently. The essential tools for this task include:

Wheel chocks

These are positioned behind the tires that will not be worked on to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Ensure the chocks are firmly in place and stable to provide adequate resistance.

Lug wrench

This tool is used to loosen and remove the lug nuts that secure the wheel to the hub. It is important to use the correct size lug wrench for your vehicle’s lug nuts to avoid damaging them.

Socket wrench with appropriate socket

This is used to remove the bolts that hold the drum brake in place. The socket size will vary depending on the vehicle. Ensure the socket fits snugly on the bolts to prevent slipping and potential damage to the bolts.

Rubber mallet or hammer

These tools are used to tap the drum brake loose from the axle. Use a mallet or hammer with a soft head to avoid damaging the drum brake.

Brake cleaner

This is used to clean the brake components once the drum brake is removed. Brake cleaner is effective in removing grease and brake dust.

Safety glasses

These are essential for protecting your eyes from flying debris or brake dust while working on the vehicle.

Removing the Wheel and Drum Brake Cover

To remove the drum brake cover, follow these steps:

Locate the wheel lug nuts: These are usually located around the perimeter of the wheel.
Loosen the lug nuts: Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts, but do not remove them completely.
Lift the vehicle: Use a jack or jack stands to lift the vehicle off the ground. Ensure that the vehicle is stable and secure before proceeding.
Remove the lug nuts and wheel: Once the lug nuts are loose, remove them by turning them counterclockwise. Then, carefully pull the wheel away from the brake drum.
Remove the drum brake cover: The drum brake cover is typically held in place by several bolts or screws. Remove these fasteners and lift the drum brake cover off the brake assembly.

Additional Tips

If the drum brake cover is stuck, gently tap it with a hammer to loosen it.
If the lug nuts are difficult to remove, apply penetrating oil to the threads and let it sit for a few minutes before attempting to loosen them.
Be careful not to damage the brake components when removing the drum brake cover.

Releasing the Brake Shoes

Once the brake drum is removed, the next step is to release the brake shoes. Begin by carefully inspecting the shoes for any signs of damage or wear. If any problems are discovered, the shoes should be replaced before continuing.

To release the brake shoes, you will need a pair of pliers or a C-clamp. Using the pliers, grasp the spring clip that holds the brake shoe in place at the top of the brake plate. Compress the spring clip and slide it off the brake shoe. Repeat this process for the spring clip at the bottom of the brake plate.

With the spring clips removed, the brake shoe can be lifted off the brake plate. Be sure to note the orientation of the shoe so that it can be reinstalled correctly later. Once the first brake shoe is removed, repeat the process for the second shoe.

Disconnecting the Parking Brake Cable

In some vehicles, the parking brake cable is attached to the brake shoes. If this is the case, you will need to disconnect the cable before you can remove the brake shoes. To do this, locate the parking brake lever under the dashboard and pull it up to engage the parking brake. This will cause the parking brake cable to tighten.


Once the cable is tight, crawl under the vehicle and locate the parking brake equalizer. The equalizer is a small, metal bracket that is mounted on the rear axle. The parking brake cable runs through the equalizer and is connected to the brake shoes on both sides of the vehicle. To disconnect the cable, simply unbolt the cable from the equalizer.	With the parking brake cable disconnected, you can now remove the brake shoes. Follow the steps outlined above to remove the spring clips and lift the brake shoes off the brake plate.

Disconnecting the Brake Lines

Once you have removed the wheels, you will need to disconnect the brake lines from the wheel cylinders. To do this, you will need a flare nut wrench or a line wrench. Position the wrench on the brake line fitting and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Be careful not to overtighten the wrench, as this could damage the fitting.

Once the fitting is loose, you can use your fingers to unscrew it the rest of the way. The brake line will now be free from the wheel cylinder. Repeat this process for the other wheel cylinder.

Before you can remove the brake drums, you will need to cap off the brake lines to prevent brake fluid from leaking out. You can do this by using a rubber cap or by wrapping a piece of tape around the end of the brake line.

Once the brake lines are capped off, you can use a drum puller to remove the brake drums. The drum puller is a specialized tool that is designed to safely remove brake drums without damaging them. To use the drum puller, place the hooks on the edge of the brake drum and tighten the bolt until the brake drum pops off.

Once the brake drums are removed, you will have access to the brake shoes and other internal components of the brake system. You can now proceed to inspect and repair or replace any necessary parts.

Removing the Brake Drum

Removing the brake drum requires a bit more finesse and care compared to the backing plate. Here’s a step-by-step guide to detach the drum safely:

Secure the vehicle: Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the wheels opposite the brake being serviced to prevent the car from rolling.
Loosen the lug nuts, not remove them: Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel associated with the brake drum. Do not remove them completely at this stage.
Tap the drum: Give the brake drum a gentle tap around its circumference using a rubber mallet or hammer and a block of wood to avoid direct force on the drum. This helps break the rust or corrosion that might be holding the drum in place.
Remove the lug nuts and wheel: Once the drum has been loosened, remove the lug nuts completely and pull the wheel straight towards you to detach it from the hub.
Disconnect the brake line: Locate the brake line attached to the wheel cylinder and disconnect it using a flare nut wrench. Be cautious not to damage the brake line.
Detach the return spring and brake shoe hold-down springs: Using a pair of pliers, carefully detach the return spring and the brake shoe hold-down springs. The return spring is typically smaller and connects the brake shoes at their top, while the hold-down springs secure the brake shoes to the backing plate.
Remove the brake shoes: Once the springs are detached, carefully slide the brake shoes out of the brake drum. Be mindful of any shims or adjusters that might be attached to the brake shoes and remove them as well.
Pull off the brake drum: With the brake shoes removed, gently pull the brake drum straight towards you to detach it from the axle. Exercise caution as the drum can be heavy.

Inspecting the Drum Brake Components

1. Remove the Drum and Brake Shoes

To inspect the drum brake components, you will need to remove the drum and brake shoes. This can be done by following these steps:

Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel.
Lift the vehicle and secure it on jack stands.
Remove the wheel.
Remove the brake drum by pulling it straight off the axle.
Remove the brake shoes by carefully pulling them away from the backing plate.

2. Inspect the Brake Shoes

Once the brake shoes are removed, you should inspect them for any signs of wear or damage. The brake shoes should be smooth and free of any cracks or chips. The lining should also be thick enough to provide adequate braking power.

3. Inspect the Brake Drums

The brake drums should also be inspected for any signs of wear or damage. The drums should be smooth and free of any cracks or gouges. The inner surface of the drums should also be clean and free of any rust or debris.

4. Inspect the Wheel Cylinders

The wheel cylinders should be inspected for any signs of leaks or damage. The wheel cylinders should be clean and free of any rust or corrosion. The piston boots should also be in good condition.

5. Inspect the Brake Lines and Hoses

The brake lines and hoses should be inspected for any signs of leaks or damage. The lines and hoses should be clean and free of any rust or corrosion. The fittings should also be tight and secure.

6. Inspect the Parking Brake Lever

The parking brake lever should be inspected for any signs of damage or wear. The lever should be clean and free of any rust or corrosion. The pivot point should also be lubricated.

7. Inspect the Return Springs

The return springs should be inspected for any signs of damage or wear. The springs should be clean and free of any rust or corrosion. The springs should also be strong enough to return the brake shoes to their resting position.

Cleaning and Lubricating the Drum Brake Components

Once the drum brake components are removed, they should be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated. This will help to ensure that they function properly and last for a long time.

Cleaning the Drum Brake Components

Use a brake cleaner to remove any dirt or debris from the drum brake components. Be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves when using brake cleaner, as it can be harmful if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes.

Lubricating the Drum Brake Components

Once the drum brake components are clean, they should be lubricated with a high-temperature brake grease. Apply a thin layer of grease to all of the moving parts of the brake, including the wheel cylinders, brake shoes, and springs.

Lubricating the Brake Adjuster

The drum brake adjuster is a critical component that ensures the brake shoes are properly adjusted. The brake adjuster is responsible for taking up the slack in the brake shoes as they wear.Lubricating the brake adjuster ensures it moves freely and can adjust the brake shoes as needed.

To lubricate the brake adjuster, apply a small amount of high-temperature brake grease to the threads and moving parts of the adjuster. Do not over-lubricate the brake adjuster, as this can attract dirt and debris.

Inspecting the Brake Shoes

Once the drum brake components are lubricated, they should be inspected for wear. The brake shoes should be at least 1/4 inch thick. If the brake shoes are worn down, they should be replaced.

To inspect the brake shoes, look for any cracks, chips, or other damage. The brake shoes should also be free of any oil or grease. If the brake shoes are damaged or contaminated, they should be replaced.

Reassembling the Drum Brake

Once the drum brake components have been cleaned and lubricated, they can be reassembled. To reassemble the drum brake, follow these steps:

Place the brake shoes into the brake drum.
Install the brake springs.
Install the wheel cylinders.
Install the brake drum.
Tighten the lug nuts.

Adjusting the Drum Brake

Once the drum brake is reassembled, it should be adjusted. To adjust the drum brake, follow these steps:

Pump the brake pedal several times.
Turn the brake adjuster until the brake shoes are snug against the brake drum.
Back off the brake adjuster 1/4 turn.
Test the brake to make sure it is working properly.

Reinstalling the Drum Brake Assembly

Now that you’ve successfully removed the drum brake assembly, it’s time to put it all back together. Follow these steps to ensure a proper and safe installation.

9. Install the Backing Plate

Align the backing plate with the axle and carefully slide it into place. Ensure that the brake shoes are positioned correctly within the slots of the backing plate. Use bolts or screws to secure the backing plate to the axle housing. Tighten the bolts or screws to the specified torque.

Refer to the table below for the recommended torque values:

Vehicle Model	Torque (Nm)
Honda Civic	25-30
Toyota Camry	30-35
Ford Focus	35-40

Note: Double-check that the backing plate is securely fastened and that the brake shoes are properly seated.

Bleeding the Brake System

Bleeding the brake system removes any air that may have gotten into the lines during service. This can be done with a helper or alone if you use a one-person bleeder kit.

Materials needed:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Bleeder wrench
Clean rag
One-person bleeder kit (optional)

Steps:

Fill the master cylinder with brake fluid.
Locate the bleeder screw on the wheel cylinder. It is usually a small, round screw with a rubber cap.
Place a box wrench or bleeder wrench over the bleeder screw and loosen it slightly.
If using a helper, have them press down on the brake pedal several times and hold it down. If using a one-person bleeder kit, follow the kit’s instructions for applying pressure to the system.
While the brake pedal is depressed, open the bleeder screw slightly and allow the brake fluid and air bubbles to flow out. Close the bleeder screw before the brake pedal reaches the floor.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 until no more air bubbles are seen in the brake fluid coming out of the bleeder screw.
Tighten the bleeder screw and remove the wrench.
Repeat steps 2-7 for the remaining wheel cylinders.
Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder and add fluid as needed.
Pump the brake pedal several times to build up pressure in the system.

Note:

* Always use clean brake fluid and tools.
* Do not overtighten the bleeder screw, as this can damage the threads.
* If you are not comfortable bleeding the brake system yourself, have it done by a qualified mechanic.