- Slide the new or resurfaced drum over the wheel studs.
- Install lock screws in drum if equipped.
- Adjust the brakes through the drum or through the backing plate till a slight drag on the brake drum is felt.
- Reinstall the tire.
- Check brake adjustment and readjust as needed to have a slight drag on the drum. Do not over tighten the brakes or they could lock up.
- Remove the jack stand.
- Lower the jack.
- Torque the lug nuts and reinstall the hub cap.
- Repeat on other side.
- Bleed out the brake system if any wheel cylinders were replaced.
- Road test the vehicle to verify brakes work correctly.
How to service and adjust drum brakes the right way?
Part 1 of 3: Prepare to adjust the drum brakes
- Eye Protection
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Rags or paper towels
- Screwdriver
- Socket and ratchet set
- Torque wrench
How much does it cost to resurface brake drums?
The average cost for a brake shoe replacement, resurface drums is between $248 and $350. Labor costs are estimated between $211 and $267 while parts are priced between $37 and $83.
How to clean, lubricate, and adjust drum brakes?
Clean the friction surface of the drum with solvent or brake cleaner so you don't leave oily fingerprints on the friction surfaces. Clean up all the hardware if you're not replacing it, and lube ...
How often should I replace rear drum brakes?
- The back of car is shaking when trying to brake
- The car pulls to one side when applying the brakes
- A lot of noise from the rear of the car when trying to bring the car to a stop
Is it hard to fix drum brakes?
While drum brakes do have a completely different layout and mode of operation than disc brakes do, they are usually no more difficult to service, and often require only a basic set of hand tools and a drum brake adjustment tool to get the job done.
How much does it cost to repair drum brakes?
between $275 and $399The average brake drum replacement cost averages between $275 and $399 depending on the type of the vehicle you have the type of repair shop you're taking your vehicle to.
What is the leading cause of drum brake failure?
Self adjuster failure is the most common reason drum brakes fail. The drum brake self adjuster is a small mechanism that's responsible for adjusting the position of the shoes in the drum as the lining wears out. It's pretty common for the self adjuster to fail due to corrosion.
What tools do you need to replace drum brakes?
You'll need a drum brake retainer spring tool and a pair of drum brake spring pliers. These can often be purchased as a set. You'll also need simple tools like a hammer, pliers, and other assorted hand tools to get everything apart.
How often should brake drums be replaced?
around 150,000 to 200,000 milesThe housing of drum brakes is designed to be operable typically for around 150,000 to 200,000 miles, while the shoes are meant to last for 40,000 miles although they usually last the life of the vehicle if the car owner uses their brakes properly.
How do you know when drum brakes need to be replaced?
Here are a few of the things that you may notice when it is time to replace your brake drums.The back of car is shaking when trying to brake.The car pulls to one side when applying the brakes.A lot of noise from the rear of the car when trying to bring the car to a stop.
How do you check drum brakes?
0:362:23How to - Checking Drum Brakes // Supercheap Auto - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCheck the thickness of the brake shoe. Line you'll need to consult the manual for the allowableMoreCheck the thickness of the brake shoe. Line you'll need to consult the manual for the allowable minimum thickness if the thickness is at the point of all close to the minimum. They should be replaced.
Why are my rear drum brakes sticking?
2:593:543 Reasons for a Brake Drum to Stick - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis normally happens if the vehicle has been sitting for a longer period of time. And will alsoMoreThis normally happens if the vehicle has been sitting for a longer period of time. And will also depend on the composition of the braking shoe material.
What happens when a brake lining is pushed against the inside of the drum?
They sit inside of a brake drum. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake shoes are forced outward, pushing against the inside of the brake drum and slowing down the wheel. Drum brakes and brake shoes are parts of an older type of braking system and have become less common on modern vehicles.
How tight should brake drums be?
1:237:34How To Adjust Your Drum Brakes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's just kind of rubbing slightly.MoreIt's just kind of rubbing slightly.
Do drum brakes have rotors?
There are two types of brakes — disc and drum. Disc brakes consist of a disc, also known as a rotor, that spins along with your wheels. To stop your wheels, brake pads, which are located inside the caliper, press against the rotor to prevent it from turning. With Drum brakes, the brake drum spins along with the wheels.
How long does it take to change drum brakes?
about two hoursOn average, replacing a pair of drums and shoes takes about two hours from start to finish. However, if you need to replace other components as well, it can take longer. Since drum brakes last so long, it's a good idea to replace the wheel cylinder, adjuster, and springs when you replace the drums and shoes.
How much does it cost to replace brake drums and shoes?
On average, you can expect to pay about $400 to replace a brake drum. Most mechanics charge between $200 to $600 or higher. Drum shoes and cylinders cost $300 and $250 on average, respectively. You can also get your rear drum brakes resurfaced for around $250 on average per drum.
How long does it take to replace drum brakes?
about two hoursOn average, replacing a pair of drums and shoes takes about two hours from start to finish. However, if you need to replace other components as well, it can take longer. Since drum brakes last so long, it's a good idea to replace the wheel cylinder, adjuster, and springs when you replace the drums and shoes.
Are drum brakes more expensive to replace than disc brakes?
Less expensive. Drum brakes are less expensive than disc brakes, and this cost difference is reflected in the price of a new car. All other things being equal, a car with disc brakes on all four wheels will cost more than one with disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear.
How much does it cost to have rear brakes replaced?
You can expect that if you need rear brakes pads, your front pads are not far behind. The average rear brake pad replacement cost is between $115 and $300, this is about the same as the cost of front brake pad replacements. These materials range in quality from poor quality to premium.
How to adjust a new shoe?
Place the self adjuster on the new shoes and spread the tops apart to tighten the spring. Put the shoes back in place and slip the retaining pins through the right holes. Install the shoe retainer springs. Attach the shoes to the wheel cylinder pins. Reattach the parking brake lever. Install the return springs.
How to remove a tire from a car?
Remove the hubcap and loosen the lug nuts. Block the front wheels with wheel chocks. Jack up the car and support it with jack stands. Never work on a car supported by a jack alone. Blocks of wood or bricks or even cinder blocks aren't suitable substitutes. Finish removing the nuts and remove the tire. ...
How to keep brakes from getting dusty?
Place the whole brake mechanism in a container and spray it with brake cleaner. Doing this in a container will help keep the dust from becoming airborne. Remember: the dust from most brakes is asbestos, and you don't want to breathe it in. Wear a mask. ...
How to get rid of brake dust?
1. Put on an asbestos respirator. The work you're about to do involves finely-ground brake dust or asbestos dust, and breathing it can be extremely hazardous to your health. Get a mask that's designed for the job of filtering asbestos, not a simple paper one you might use in a shop.
Where does the shoe with the shorter strip of lining go?
The shoe with the shorter strip of lining usually goes towards the front. Carefully tip the tops of the shoes inward to loosen the tension on the self-adjuster spring. Remove the self adjuster. Inspect and clean all brake parts to be reused and check for signs of damage or wear and replace as needed.
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wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 20 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 459,925 times.
Is it hard to replace drum brakes?
Replacing drum brakes isn't difficult but it requires special tools and a little caution. In return, you save on hefty auto mechanics bills. This article will describe the general process, but you will still want to consult the manual for your car's particular make and model.
What arc should new brake shoes have?
Ideally, new brake shoes would have an arc that perfectly matches the diameter of the drum they will be working with . In the really old days (before my time), mechanics would use a special machine to grind the proper arc into the newly relined shoes. More asbestos inhaled.
Why is it bad to pull brakes after a reline?
That happened because one brake was grabbing harder than the brakes on the other side of the car. The pull was worse on front brakes, because they directly affect the steering.
What happens when one front brake grabs?
When one front brake grabs, it yanks on the steering linkage, making the car want to steer itself in that direction. To stop the pull, mechanics would sprinkle a little baby powder on the grabbing brake shoes. That allowed the newly relined shoes to break in normally. That’s just one of many tricks of the trade.
How to keep new brake shoes clean?
To keep your new shoes clean while you work with them, first cover the friction surfaces with ordinary masking tape. Remove the tape only when everything is completely assembled , right before you adjust them. If you do get some greasy fingerprints on your new brake shoes, simply buff them off with sandpaper.
What is drum brake?
Drum brakes that incorporate that feature are called self-actualizing brakes. It sounds like Sigmund Freud named them. Most older cars had the wheel cylinder bolted in place at the very top (12 o’clock position) of the brake assembly.
What is the difference between a primary and secondary shoe?
Notice that each wheel has one brake shoe with a longer friction material surface than the other shoe. The bigger shoe is called the primary shoe, because it provides most of the stopping force on that wheel. The smaller shoe on that wheel is called the secondary shoe.
How to get rid of runoff from a car?
Use a brush on the heavy build up. Give it a good bath. Catch the runoff in a big plastic drain pan, which you bought, right, at the dollar store. When everything is really clean you can then dry it off with compressed air, or with some spray brake cleaner.
Why do drum brakes stay engaged?
If the pad friction is enough, the brake will stay engaged due to self-application, even when the external application force is released. Another disadvantage of drum brakes is their relative complexity. Maintenance of drum brakes is more time-consuming, compared to disc brakes.
What happens if you break your drum brakes?
If they break, the debris can jam itself between the shoes and drum causing the brake to drag or bind. Drum brakes as the shoes wear, brake pedal travel would increase were it not for the adjusters. The adjusters, however, are susceptible to corrosion and sticking.
What are the advantages of drum brakes over disc brakes?
Here are some advantages that drum brakes have over disc brakes: Drum brakes can provide more braking force than an equal diameter disc brake. Drum brakes last longer because drum brakes have increased friction contact area than a disc. Drum brakes are cheaper to manufacture ...
Why does the diameter of the brake drum increase?
Under hard braking, the diameter of the drum increases slightly due to thermal expansion, the driver must press the brake pedal farther. Brake shoes can overheat to the point where they become glazed. Excessive brake drum heating can cause the brake fluid to vaporise.
Why do cars have disc brakes?
All cars sold in United States use disc brakes for the front wheels, because about 70-80% of the vehicle’s stopping power is done by the front wheels. Even so, the venerable drum brake is still used by some of today’s vehicles, but that is getting less and less every year. One of the reasons of doing this is because the parking brake can be located ...
What is the purpose of adjuster springs on parking brakes?
Adjuster springs, help maintain tension on the adjusters, but lack of its use can allow cables to corrode and stick in place, preventing the parking brake from applying or releasing. A special high temperature brake lubricant should be used on the drum brake. Tags: Brakes.
Which is cheaper, drum brakes or disc brakes?
Drum brakes are cheaper to manufacture than disc brakes. Rear drum brakes generate lower heat. Drum brakes have a built-in self energizing effect that requires less input force (such as hydraulic pressure. Wheel cylinders are simpler to recondition than with disc brake calipers.
Step 1: Jack and suspend your back wheels
Park your vehicle properly and engage the parking brakes. Locate the jacking spot close to the rear wheels and place a jack to lift up one side of the vehicle from the ground. Use a jack stand to keep the car in place. Repeat the same process for the other rear side of the wheel.
Step 2: Remove the tires
After lighting your vehicle, remove the tires. Unbolt the lug nuts gently from the wheels. Make sure you keep the nuts in a safe place, so you can easily get them back.
Step 3: Adjust the drum brakes
First and foremost, locate the drum brake adjuster. You can easily access the brake adjuster at the rear base of the brake drum. Remove the dust cover with a flat screwdriver.
Step 4: Check your work
Once you have adjusted the brake to your satisfaction, reinstall the dust cover to its position. Confirm everything is well positioned and intact.
Step 5: Install your tires
Reinstall the car tires you removed previously. Afterward, ensure you tighten the lug nuts with a ratchet and socket or wheel spanners until the nuts are fitted snugly.
Step 6: Lower the car
Place your jack on the jacking spot and raise the car so you can safely remove the jack stand. Lower the vehicle and do the same on the other side of the wheel.
Step 7: Test drive the vehicle
Pump the brake pedal a couple of times before driving. Then, drive the car to a safe location and confirm whether the brakes are properly functioning. If the brakes are functional, then you are good to go!
