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How to change brake drum on a car – replacement tutorial

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How to change a brake drum [AUTODOC TUTORIAL]

How to change brake drum on a car – replacement tutorial

Required Tools:

                      Flat screwdriver
                    
                      Tap wrench
                    
                      Torx wrench
                    
                      Torx bit
                    
                      Ceramic grease
                    
                      Brake cleaner 
                    
                      Jack

Buy tools

Please note!

A drum brake system is usually only installed on the rear axle
The brake drum can either be installed on the wheel hub or be integrated with the wheel bearing
Brake drums should always be replaced in pairs on an axle
Along with these parts, it's also recommended to install new brake shoes and related components

1.

Use a car lift to replace the component or a jack with jack stands and wheel chocks
2.

When working with one with a built-in bearing, first remove the cap covering the fastener
3.

Then unscrew the fastener and remove the brake drum from the stub axle

Important!
The brake drum is held in place not only by the wheel bearing, but also by the brake shoes
4.

Access the handbrake mechanism from inside the vehicle under the centre console or from under the car near the transmission tunnel
5.

Loosen the handbrake cables using a suitable tool

Please note!
It is not always enough to loosen the cables to remove the brake drumA corroded or jammed brake adjuster can make the part difficult to removeThe adjuster may also hold the brake shoes spread too muchThis prevents the removal of the brake drum
6.

There may be an adjuster access hole in the brake drum backing plate opposite the adjuster gear. You can actuate the adjustment mechanism via that access hole to bring the brake shoes closer together. This makes the brake drum easier to remove
7.

If the mechanism is corroded, use a slide hammer or special puller to remove the brake drum

Be careful!
Incorrect removal of the brake drum can result in damage to the fasteners of the brake shoesIn this case, you will need a repair kit
8.

If the brake drum is stuck to the wheel hub, you can tap the drum with a hammer

Please note!
Some cars have the drums with special service holesScrewing in bolts of a matching diameter into those holes will help remove the drum from the wheel hubThe parts should be replaced on both sides of the axle
9.

Be sure to inspect and clean all the fasteners

10.

Remember the position of all the components and familiarise yourself with their design
11.

First, disassemble the mechanism only on one side of the axle. If you have any difficulties reassembling the parts on one side, you can refer to the assembly on the other side
12.

Replace the components and reassemble it in reverse order

AUTODOC experts recommend:
Start disassembly with the springs that keep the brake shoes spread and prevent their removalBe careful as there is a risk of injury if the springs are handled carelesslyUse special tool kits to remove them Please note that such kits have a limited range of functions and are designed for a particular carYou can also use a fork-type screwdriverThanks to the recess it has, this tool can be used to carefully remove the spring without the risk of it jumping off
13.

When removing the components, be sure to remember their position

Be careful!
If they are installed incorrectly, the mechanism can fail
14.

Clean the working area
15.

Treat all the surfaces and components with an anti-corrosion agent
16.

Before the replacement, compare the removed brake shoes with the new ones so that you don’t install them on the wrong side. The brake shoes differ depending on the side of installation
17.

Bear in mind that it may be necessary to remove some components from the old brake shoes and mount them on the new ones. For example, the parking brake lever
18.

Reinstall the components in reverse order

Please note!
Brake drums may have a magnetic or toothed ABS ringThis allows the ABS sensor to read the wheel speedIf the new brake drums have no ABS rings, you should remove them from the old parts and install on the new ones
19.

Remove the magnetic rings carefully so as not to damage them If the parts get deformed, it will be impossible to obtain correct readings
20.

Prepare suitable tools that will allow you to remove the ABS rings carefully

Important!
The brake drum may be mounted on the wheel hub or, like in this case, have a built-in bearingIf there is no bearing in the component, it should be purchased separately and fitted into the new drumNote that the old bearings cannot be fitted into new brake drums
21.

The new bearings should be pressed into their mounting seats. It's recommended to do this using a hydraulic press. If this equipment is not available, the bearing can be pressed in using a driver and a hammer
22.

Lubricate the mounting seat and install the bearing
23.

Select a driver with the correct diameter and use it to apply force only to the outer bearing ring
24.

Pushing the inner ring can damage the bearing
25.

Position the driver and start hitting it with a hammer

AUTODOC recommends:
Make sure that the bearing is fitting into the mounting seat without misalignment
26.

Look at the back side of the drum from time to time to check how deep the bearing has been pressed in
27.

Press in the bearing until it is fully installed
28.

Fit in the retaining ring, which will help you determine if the bearing has been installed correctly
29.

Install the ABS magnetic ring using a driver with a suitable diameter
30.

Adjust the position of the brake shoes before installing the brake drum on the stub axle
31.

Spread the break shoes slightly using the brake adjuster and mount the drum
32.

Press the brake pedal and engage and release the handbrake a few times. This will ensure the correct positioning of the brake shoes
33.

Carry out the same procedure on the second mechanism on the axle

Please note!
Too much free rotation of the brake drum indicates that the shoes need to be spread a little bit moreIt’s best when you need to apply some effort when placing the brake drum on the brake shoes and it touches them slightly when rotatingYou can check the accuracy of the shoe adjustment by drawing some marks with a marker pen
34.

Use new fasteners and tighten them to the manufacturer's recommended torque
35.

Be sure to adjust the tension of the handbrake cables