Drum brakes are a common brake system found in older vehicles and some newer models as well. They require periodic adjustments to maintain optimal braking performance. Adjusting drum brakes is an essential skill for any car enthusiast or DIY mechanic. In this article, we will walk you through the process of properly adjusting drum brakes to ensure safe and efficient braking.
Important Outline
Before you start adjusting your drum brakes, it is important to have a clear outline of the process. The main steps include:
1. Gather necessary tools and materials.
2. Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. Locate and access the drum brake assembly.
4. Check the drum brake components for wear and damage.
5. Adjust the brake shoes.
6. Test the brakes for proper operation.
7. Reassemble the drum brake assembly.
Let’s take a closer look at each step.
Gather Necessary Tools and Materials
To adjust your drum brakes, you will need the following tools and materials:
– A jack and jack stands
– A lug wrench
– A brake adjusting tool, screwdriver, or pliers
– Safety glasses
– Mechanic’s gloves
Park Your Vehicle on a Level Surface and Engage the Parking Brake
Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. This will provide a stable and safe working environment to adjust your drum brakes.
Locate and Access the Drum Brake Assembly
To access the drum brake assembly, you need to remove the rear wheels. Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts and then lift the vehicle with a jack. Place jack stands under the car to support it safely. Once the vehicle is securely supported, remove the rear wheels.
Check the Drum Brake Components for Wear and Damage
Before adjusting your drum brakes, inspect the components for wear and damage. Check the brake shoes, drums, springs, and other parts. Replace any damaged or worn components.
Adjust the Brake Shoes
Locate the brake adjuster star wheel, which is a small gear located between the brake shoes. Using a brake adjusting tool, screwdriver, or pliers, turn the star wheel in the appropriate direction (usually upwards) to expand the brake shoes until they make contact with the drum. After that, back off the adjuster wheel by a few clicks to allow for a slight clearance between the brake shoes and drum.
Test the Brakes for Proper Operation
After adjusting the brake shoes, spin the brake drum by hand to ensure it moves freely without excessive resistance. It should spin smoothly but come to a stop fairly quickly. If the drum is too tight or too loose, further adjustments may be required.
Reassemble the Drum Brake Assembly
Once you are satisfied with the adjustment, put the wheels back on your vehicle and lower it to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts and disengage the parking brake. Take your vehicle for a test drive to ensure the drum brakes are operating correctly and providing sufficient stopping power. If necessary, make any additional adjustments.
By following this outline and adjusting your drum brakes properly, you can prolong the life of your brake components and ensure safe driving. Regular maintenance and inspections of your brake system will ensure that your vehicle stops effectively when needed.
Step by Step Guide
In this section, we will provide a detailed, step-by-step guide to adjusting drum brakes, ensuring that you can perform this task efficiently and accurately.
1. Gather tools and materials: As mentioned previously, you will need a jack and jack stands, a lug wrench, a brake adjusting tool or screwdriver, safety glasses, and mechanic’s gloves.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. Loosen the lug nuts using the lug wrench, and then use the jack to lift the vehicle. Position jack stands under the car to support it safely and remove the rear wheels.
4. Remove the drum brake assembly by either pulling it off or releasing retaining clips or screws, depending on your vehicle’s design.
5. Inspect the brake components for wear and damage. Replace any damaged or worn parts.
6. Locate the brake adjuster star wheel and use a brake adjusting tool or screwdriver to expand the brake shoes by turning the adjuster wheel.
7. Back off the adjuster wheel by a few clicks to create a slight clearance between the shoes and the drum.
8. Test the brakes by spinning the drum and making sure it moves freely without excessive resistance.
9. Reassemble the drum brake assembly and put the wheels back on the vehicle.
10. Lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the lug nuts.
11. Disengage the parking brake and take the vehicle for a test drive to ensure optimal brake performance.
Step by Step Guide with Bullet Points
– Gather tools and materials.
– Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
– Loosen lug nuts, lift the vehicle, and remove rear wheels.
– Remove drum brake assembly.
– Inspect brake components and replace damaged/worn parts.
– Locate and adjust brake adjuster star wheel.
– Create a slight clearance between shoes and drum.
– Test brake operation.
– Reassemble brake assembly and reinstall wheels.
– Lower vehicle and tighten lug nuts.
– Test drive to verify proper brake function.
Pros and Cons
Adjusting drum brakes has its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
– Cost-effective: Regular adjustments can prolong the life of your brake components and save you money in the long run.
– Enhanced safety: Properly adjusted brakes provide better stopping power and ensure safe driving.
– DIY-friendly: The process of adjusting drum brakes is relatively simple, making it suitable for vehicle owners who prefer to perform their own maintenance.
Cons:
– Time-consuming: Adjusting drum brakes can be a time-consuming process, particularly for inexperienced individuals.
– Potential for error: Adjusting drum brakes incorrectly can result in reduced brake performance or even damage to the brake system.
FAQ’s
Q: How often should I adjust my drum brakes?
A: It is recommended to adjust drum brakes every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or as needed, depending on driving conditions and brake wear.
Q: Can I convert my drum brakes to disc brakes?
A: Yes, it is possible to convert drum brakes to disc brakes; however, this process can be complex and expensive. Consult with a professional mechanic if you are considering this conversion.
Q: What is the difference between drum brakes and disc brakes?
A: Drum brakes use a set of shoes that expand against a drum’s inner surface, whereas disc brakes use a pair of calipers and brake pads that clamp onto a brake rotor. Disc brakes generally provide better stopping power and more consistent performance in various conditions compared to drum brakes.
Conclusion
Adjusting drum brakes is a crucial task for proper brake system maintenance. By following the step-by-step guide provided, along with ensuring that you adhere to regular vehicle maintenance schedules, you can maximize the performance and longevity of your drum brake components. It is important to always prioritize your safety and the condition of your vehicle’s braking system, as this ensures optimal driving experiences and helps protect you and other road users.