Can a drum brake be adjusted on a new car?
Can a drum brake be adjusted on a new car?
Adjustments can be done only on brakes that are in good shape. Keep in mind that not all drum brakes are adjustable. To confirm your brakes are in good working order before you adjust them, check your vehicle for symptoms of a bad or failing drum brake. This article covers the adjustment process for drum brakes of the star wheel type.
Why does my drum brake lock up at the rear?
One of the most common causes of one or two wheel lockup on drum brake equipped vehicles is the service and/or parking brake adjustment. If either one or both of these adjustments are done incorrectly it can result in the rear brakes being very sensitive.
Can a out of round drum cause rear wheel lockup?
Brake drum condition should be factored in when determining the cause of rear wheel lockup. An out of round brake drum or drums that vary in diameter too much from side to side could cause a one wheel lockup condition (Figure 61.8). Measuring drum runout or out of roundness is not easy in the field.
How can I remove drum from my car?
Check that the shoes are seated against the large anchor pin on top. You’ll probably have to pull them away from the backing plate so they can spring back. Be aware that serious damage can be caused by pressing the brake pedal all the way to the floor.
What happens when you change the drum on a car?
Most drum brakes on cars and other common vehicles are hydraulically powered. If there is a leak in the hydraulic system, you may notice fluid inside the drum and on the brake shoes. Usually, this is accompanied by decreased brake performance. If necessary, replace the leaky wheel cylinder.
What causes rear drum brakes to engage too soon?
If the parking brake system is not de-adjusted properly before the brake shoes are adjusted it will cause the rear brakes to engage too soon. This is especially true of vehicles equipped with duo-servo rear drum brakes (see Figure 61.1).
Brake drum condition should be factored in when determining the cause of rear wheel lockup. An out of round brake drum or drums that vary in diameter too much from side to side could cause a one wheel lockup condition (Figure 61.8). Measuring drum runout or out of roundness is not easy in the field.
What’s the best way to remove a brake drum?
Use a screwdriver to attach the brake drum puller’s screw tightly. Tighten the screw until the brake drum puller is securely fastened around the brake drum. Do not over-tighten the screw on the brake drum puller. Knock the back of the brake drum lightly with a hammer. Tap the hammer against the brake drum with an outward motion.
