Drum Brake Replacement

Replacing the drum brake is necessary in vehicles from time to time as they wear out over a period of sustained use, and if they are not replaced it can be very dangerous for the individual driving that vehicle. Many vehicles today have disc brakes on their front set of wheels but still opt for the conventional drum brakes for the rear wheels in the vehicle. The reason for this is that drum brakes are comparatively cheaper, easier to install, and it is also easier to synchronize the parking brake with a drum brake rather than a disc brake.

Carrying out drum brake repair is absolutely essential to maintain the safety of a vehicle. If you are well versed with the workings of automobiles and the various auto parts (especially the braking mechanisms) then you can carry out replacement yourself. But if you have no clue about such things then you need to visit an auto repair shop. By doing so and by carrying out timely repairs you can avoid the possibility of major car crashes involving your vehicle.

How to Replace Drum Brakes
Here is a list of the items that you will potentially need when you replace a drum brake.

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Wrenches
• Brake retainer tool
• Brake spring pliers
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• White lithium grease
• New brake shoes

The extensive nature of this list shows that this may be a long and complicated process, so follow these instructions at your own peril, if you feel you have the right amount of knowledge and expertise necessary.

Make sure your vehicle is jacked up with proper jack stands, and that the surface is even. Do one wheel at a time so that you can use the other side for your own reference. Before you begin this process you need to remove about half the brake fluid from the master cylinder and dispose of it properly. Now jack your vehicle up using the jack stands, and remove the wheel of the side whose drum brakes you wish to replace.

Now you need to remove the old brake drum by locating a round clip and cutting it off. This round clip will be located on the wheel studs of the vehicle. This is an easy process for rear wheel drive cars, but for a front wheel drive car you will need to remove the bearing cap and wheel bearings first. Only then will you be able to remove the brake drum. If you feel a resistance while pulling out the brake drum in either case, then you may either apply some lubricant, or turn the brake adjustment screw.

Always keep a manual of some sort with you for immediate reference of parts and positions, and if possible, take pictures along with each step so that you know what goes where. Now, if there is a parking brake cable attached to the brake drum then you will need to remove that as well before you can proceed. Now you need to remove the springs that attach the brake shoes to the wheel cylinder, and then go ahead and remove the brake shoes as well. Now you may repair, or discard the brake drums if you wish to do so. The next step in the process is the re-installation of the brake drum.

Reinstall Brake Drums
First, you need to replace the brake shoes in the exact manner that you removed them, and also attach the self adjustment screw assembly. This is where the pictures that you took earlier or the manual will come in handy for you. Reinsert the brake drum in its original place and make sure that it spins freely against the brake lining. Now carry out the procedure for the other side and then reattach the wheels. Now take the vehicle out for a test drive and check, if the brakes are working properly.

Please note that the instructions given here are merely general instructions, and if you want a proper detailed set of guidelines you must either visit a mechanic or a car repair shop. The replacement cost that they will charge you will only be a small price to pay. Attempt the process on your own only if, you know something about the various car parts. The brakes are an important part of the vehicle and you cannot afford to experiment with them.