How To Take A Brake Drum Off In 7 Simple Steps

How To Take A Brake Drum Off
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If you need to replace the brake drum on your car, you’ll need to remove it first. This can be a challenging task, but it’s not impossible. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to take a brake drum off.

Before you start, you’ll need to gather a few tools. You’ll need a lug wrench, a socket wrench, a hammer, and a screwdriver. You may also need a brake drum puller, which is a special tool that helps to remove the brake drum. Once you have your tools, you’re ready to get started.

The first step is to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you’re working on. Don’t remove the lug nuts completely, just loosen them enough so that you can remove the wheel. Once the wheel is off, you’ll see the brake drum. The brake drum is held in place by a few bolts. Use the socket wrench to remove the bolts, and then use the hammer to tap the brake drum loose. Once the brake drum is loose, you can remove it from the axle.

Preparing Your Vehicle

Before beginning, ensure your vehicle is securely parked on a level and stable surface. Engage the parking brake to prevent any movement during the process. It’s essential to gather the necessary tools, including a lug wrench, jack and jack stands, wheel chocks, gloves, and safety glasses. Additionally, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for any specific instructions or safety precautions that apply to your make and model.

For optimal accessibility, remove the hubcap or wheel cover. Using the lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts that secure the wheel to the hub, but do not remove them completely at this stage. Position the jack at the designated jack point, as specified in your owner’s manual, and raise the vehicle until there is approximately 6 inches of clearance between the ground and the tire.

Secure the vehicle with jack stands for added stability. Place the wheel chocks behind the wheels opposite the one being worked on to prevent any accidental movement. Once the vehicle is securely elevated and stabilized, completely remove the lug nuts and detach the wheel from the hub. Now that you have access to the brake drum, you can proceed with the task of removing it.

Safety First: Personal Protective Equipment

It’s crucial to prioritize safety when working with car components. Make sure to don appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard yourself from potential hazards. Here’s a checklist of essential PPE:

1. Gloves

Choose heavy-duty gloves made of durable materials like leather or nitrile rubber. They’ll protect your hands from abrasions, cuts, and chemical exposure.

2. Safety Glasses

Eye protection is non-negotiable when working with metal fragments, dust, or flying debris. Opt for safety glasses that meet industry standards, such as ANSI Z87.1.

3. Ear Plugs or Ear Muffs

Brake drums can generate loud noises during removal. Protect your hearing by wearing earplugs or ear muffs to minimize noise levels.

4. Respirator

If excessive dust or fumes are present, consider using a respirator to filter out harmful particles and protect your respiratory system.

5. Safety Shoes

Protect your feet from heavy objects, sharp edges, and hot surfaces by wearing sturdy safety shoes with steel toes.

6. Proper Clothing

Avoid loose-fitting clothing that can get caught in moving parts. Opt for snug-fitting, non-flammable attire to minimize potential risks.

Essential Tools and Materials

To successfully remove a brake drum, you will need the following essential tools and materials:

Safety Precautions

Prioritize your safety by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. Ensure the vehicle is properly secured with wheel chocks or blocks to prevent accidental movement.

Essential Tools

Lug wrench or impact wrench
Brake spring pliers or a large screwdriver
Brake drum puller (optional, but highly recommended)
Hammer (optional)
Penetrating oil
Anti-seize compound
Jack and jack stands

Materials

New brake shoes
Brake shoe springs
Brake drum gasket (if applicable)
Wheel bearing grease
Brake cleaner

Brake Drum Puller

A brake drum puller is a specialized tool designed specifically for removing brake drums. It consists of two or more arms that connect to the brake drum and a center bolt used to apply force. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using a brake drum puller:

1. Position the arms of the puller on the brake drum, ensuring they are parallel to each other and providing even distribution of force.

2. Thread the center bolt onto the puller and tighten it gradually. As the bolt is tightened, the arms will extend and apply increasing force to the brake drum.

3. Continue tightening the bolt until the brake drum is loose and can be removed by hand. If significant resistance is encountered, apply penetrating oil to the hub and allow it to penetrate before reapplying force.

4. Once the brake drum is loose, carefully remove it and place it on a stable surface for further inspection and service.

Removing the Wheel

Begin by finding a level, stable surface to park your vehicle on. Engage the parking brake and chock the wheels opposite the one you’re working on. Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you’re removing, but don’t remove them completely. Use a floor jack to lift the vehicle until the tire is slightly off the ground and secure it with jack stands.

Removing the Lug Nuts and Tire

Carefully remove the lug nuts by hand and set them aside in a safe place. Gently lift the tire straight towards you to detach it from the wheelbase.

Accessing the Brake Drum

Once the tire is removed, you will be able to see the brake drum. The brake drum is held in place by two bolts that are located on the back of the backing plate. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts and remove them completely.

Using a Puller to Remove the Brake Drum

If the brake drum is stuck and won’t come off easily, you may need to use a puller to remove it. A puller is a tool that consists of a threaded rod, a yoke, and a set of jaws. The yoke is attached to the brake drum, and the jaws are tightened against the drum. The threaded rod is then turned, which pulls the brake drum off of the axle.

To use a puller, follow these steps:

Attach the yoke to the brake drum.
Tighten the jaws against the drum.
Turn the threaded rod to pull the brake drum off of the axle.

Be careful not to overtighten the jaws, as this can damage the brake drum.

Locating the Brake Drums

Brake drums are typically located behind the wheels of a vehicle, and they are responsible for slowing down or stopping the vehicle when the brakes are applied. The brake drum is a large, round metal part that is attached to the wheel hub. Inside the brake drum, there are two brake shoes that are lined with friction material. When the driver applies the brakes, the brake shoes press against the inside of the brake drum, which causes the vehicle to slow down or stop.

Rear Brakes

If the vehicle has rear drum brakes, the brake drums will be located behind the rear wheels. To locate the brake drums, look for a large, round metal cover that is attached to the wheel hub. The brake drum cover will typically have a few bolts or screws that hold it in place. Once the brake drum cover is removed, you will be able to see the brake drum.

Front Brakes

If the vehicle has front drum brakes, the brake drums will be located behind the front wheels. To locate the brake drums, look for a large, round metal cover that is attached to the wheel hub. The brake drum cover will typically have a few bolts or screws that hold it in place. Once the brake drum cover is removed, you will be able to see the brake drum.

Lug Nuts and Wheel Removal

Once you have located the brake drums, you will need to remove the lug nuts that hold the wheels in place. The lug nuts are typically located on the outside of the wheel. Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts, but do not remove them completely. Once the lug nuts are loose, you can remove the wheels from the vehicle.

Brake Drum Removal

Once the wheels have been removed, you will be able to access the brake drums. The brake drums are typically held in place by a few bolts or screws. Use a wrench or socket to remove the bolts or screws, and then pull the brake drums off of the wheel hubs.

Rear Brakes	Front Brakes
Locate the brake drum cover on the rear wheel. Remove the bolts or screws that hold the brake drum cover in place. Remove the brake drum cover.	Locate the brake drum cover on the front wheel. Remove the bolts or screws that hold the brake drum cover in place. Remove the brake drum cover.

Rear Brakes

Front Brakes

Locate the brake drum cover on the rear wheel.

Remove the bolts or screws that hold the brake drum cover in place.

Remove the brake drum cover.

Locate the brake drum cover on the front wheel.

Remove the bolts or screws that hold the brake drum cover in place.

Remove the brake drum cover.

Removing the Drum Retaining Screws

The drum retaining screws are typically located on the back of the brake drum. To remove them, you will need a socket wrench or a box-end wrench.

Use the correct size socket or wrench to loosen the screws.
Once the screws are loose, remove them completely by hand.
If the screws are rusted or seized, you may need to use penetrating oil to help loosen them.
If you are having difficulty removing the screws, it may be necessary to use an impact wrench.
Once the screws are removed, the brake drum should be able to be pulled off the axle.
If the brake drum is stuck, you may need to use a hammer to gently tap it loose.

Safety Precautions

It is important to take the following safety precautions when removing the brake drum retaining screws:

Make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and the parking brake is engaged.
Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands.
Do not attempt to remove the brake drum retaining screws if the vehicle is still moving.
If you are not sure how to remove the brake drum retaining screws, consult a qualified mechanic.

Detaching the Brake Drum from the Axle Flange

Once the brake shoes have been removed, you can proceed to detach the brake drum from the axle flange. This process can be a bit more involved than removing the brake shoes, but it is still relatively straightforward. Here are the steps you will need to follow:

Locate the axle nut

The axle nut is typically located in the center of the brake drum. It is a large, round nut that is used to hold the brake drum in place.
Loosen the axle nut

Using a wrench, loosen the axle nut. Do not remove it completely at this point.
Tap the brake drum

With a hammer, tap the brake drum around its circumference. This will help to loosen the brake drum from the axle flange.
Remove the axle nut

Once the brake drum has been loosened, you can remove the axle nut completely.
Pull the brake drum off

Pull the brake drum straight off of the axle flange. It may be necessary to use a pry bar to help you do this.
Inspect the brake drum

Once the brake drum has been removed, inspect it for any damage. If there is any damage, the brake drum will need to be replaced.
Clean the brake drum

Use a brake cleaner to clean the brake drum. This will remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the brake drum.

Tools you will need:
– Wrench
– Hammer
– Pry bar (optional)
– Brake cleaner

Inspecting the Brake Components

Step 1: Removing the Rotor

Grab the rotor firmly with both hands and pull it straight toward you. It may require some force, as it may be rusted or stuck from exposure to the elements. If it doesn’t come off easily, use a rubber mallet to gently tap around the circumference of the rotor, while pulling.

Step 2: Inspecting the Rotor

Once the rotor is removed, inspect it for wear and tear. Measure the thickness using a brake rotor micrometer or caliper. The minimum allowable thickness varies by vehicle, so refer to your repair manual for specific specifications. Look for any cracks, grooves, or uneven surfaces, which can compromise braking performance.

Step 3: Inspecting the Brake Pads

Remove the brake pads from the caliper by pressing on the retaining clips or pins. Check the thickness of the brake pads. The minimum allowable thickness may vary depending on the vehicle, so consult the repair manual for specific values. Inspect the brake pads for any signs of wear, such as worn-out friction material, uneven wear, or grooves. Replace any worn or damaged brake pads as needed.

Step 4: Inspecting the Caliper

Visually inspect the caliper for any signs of damage, corrosion, or leaks. Check the caliper piston for smooth movement and the brake hoses for any cracks or deterioration. If you notice any issues with the caliper, you may need to replace or repair it.

Step 5: Inspecting the Wheel Cylinder

If your vehicle has drum brakes, inspect the wheel cylinder. Look for leaks, cracks, or other signs of damage. Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder and add fluid as needed. If you notice any issues with the wheel cylinder, replace it immediately.

Step 6: Inspecting the Brake Lines

Visually inspect the brake lines for any signs of damage, leaks, or corrosion. Check the brake lines for any kinks or bends that can affect brake fluid flow. If you notice any issues with the brake lines, replace them as soon as possible.

Step 7: Inspecting the Brake Master Cylinder

Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder. Add fluid if necessary, but do not overfill. Be sure to use the correct type of brake fluid recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Step 8: Inspecting the Brake Booster

Start the engine and let it idle. Press down on the brake pedal several times and listen for any unusual noises or vibrations. If you hear or feel any abnormal feedback, the brake booster may need to be inspected or replaced. Here are some additional tips for inspecting the brake booster:

Symptoms	Possible Causes	Recommended Action
Hissing sound when pressing the pedal	Leak in the vacuum hose or booster	Check and replace vacuum hose or brake booster
Hard pedal	Failed booster or vacuum leak	Check vacuum hose and replace booster if necessary
Spongy pedal	Air in the brake lines or a failing master cylinder	Bleed the brake lines or replace the master cylinder

Cleaning and Preparing for Reassembly

Once the brake drum has been removed, it’s important to clean and prepare it for reassembly to ensure proper performance and longevity.

Cleaning the Drum

Thoroughly clean the brake drum using a brake cleaner spray or solvent. Remove all dirt, grease, and brake dust to prevent contamination of the new brake shoes.

Inspecting the Drum

Inspect the drum for any cracks, damage, or excessive wear. If any damage is found, replace the drum to avoid compromising braking performance.

Cleaning the Flange

Clean the flange where the wheel bolts attach using a wire brush or emery cloth. Remove any rust or corrosion to ensure proper contact and torque of the wheel nuts.

Lubricating the Hub

Apply a thin layer of high-temperature wheel bearing grease to the hub where the drum will be mounted. This lubrication reduces friction and prevents wear.

Preparing the Brake Shoes

Clean the brake shoes with a brake cleaner spray to remove any dirt or debris. Sand the lining surface lightly to remove any glaze or unevenness.

Assembling the Shoes

Insert the brake shoes into the drum, ensuring they are properly seated. Use a brake shoe spring tool to attach the springs and secure the shoes in place.

Adjusting the Shoes

Using a brake adjustment tool, adjust the brake shoes so that they make light contact with the drum. This is crucial for proper braking and to prevent premature wear.

Torquing the Drum

Position the drum back onto the hub and tighten the wheel bolts to the specified torque using a torque wrench. Overtightening can damage the drum or the bolts.

Final Inspection

Reinstall the wheel and spin it to check for any rubbing or noise. If any issues arise, recheck the installation and make any necessary adjustments.

Reinstalling the Brake Drum

1. Clean the mating surfaces of the brake drum and the wheel hub to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Apply a thin layer of anti-seize compound to the hub and the inside of the brake drum to prevent corrosion and make future removal easier.
3. Align the brake drum with the wheel hub and carefully slide it into place.
4. Hand-tighten the lug nuts onto the wheel studs to secure the brake drum.
5. Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications using a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening.
6. Reinstall the brake caliper and pads and tighten the caliper bolts to the specified torque.

7. Connect the brake hose to the caliper and tighten the bleeder screw.

8. Pump the brake pedal several times to build up pressure in the brake system.

9. Check for any leaks in the brake system and address them as necessary.

10. Road test the vehicle to ensure that the brakes are functioning properly and that there are no unusual noises or vibrations.

Note: When reinstalling the brake drum, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s torque specifications to ensure proper function and safety.