10 Easy Steps to Remove a Brake Drum

Tired of that persistent squealing or grinding sound emanating from your vehicle’s wheels? It’s likely a sign that your brake drums are in need of attention. While replacing brake drums can seem like a daunting task, it’s a job that can be tackled with the right tools, a bit of patience, and a methodical approach. The first step in this process involves safely removing the brake drum, which houses the brake shoes and other critical components. This guide will provide a comprehensive step-by-step walkthrough, empowering you to confidently remove the brake drum and embark on the necessary repairs.

Before embarking on the task of removing a brake drum, it’s crucial to ensure your safety and the proper functioning of your vehicle. Park the vehicle on a flat, stable surface, engage the parking brake to prevent it from rolling, and chock the wheels opposite the brake drum you’ll be working on for added stability. Additionally, gather the necessary tools such as a lug wrench, socket wrench, screwdriver, hammer, and a brake drum puller. With these preparations in place, you can proceed with the removal process with confidence.

To initiate the brake drum removal process, locate the lug nuts on the wheel attached to the brake drum you’ll be servicing. Using the lug wrench, carefully loosen the lug nuts but do not remove them completely at this stage. Next, use a jack to elevate the vehicle, providing ample space to work underneath. Once the vehicle is securely lifted, remove the lug nuts by hand and detach the wheel from the hub. With the wheel removed, you’ll have clear access to the brake drum. Proceed to the next step, where we’ll delve into the intricacies of detaching the brake drum from the hub.

Tools Required

Removing a brake drum requires a few specialized tools. Here’s a more detailed list of what you’ll need:

Socket wrench or impact wrench with deep well sockets: Required for loosening and tightening lug nuts.
Jack and jack stands: Used to safely lift the vehicle and keep it stable while working.
Lug wrench: An alternative to a socket wrench, used to loosen and tighten lug nuts.
Hammer: Essential for loosening stuck drum if needed.
Punch or awl: Used to guide the wheel cylinder retracting tool.
Wheel cylinder retracting tool: A specialized tool used to retract the wheel cylinder pistons.
Pry bar: Assists in removing the drum if it is stuck.
Safety glasses: Essential for protecting your eyes from flying debris.
Gloves: Protect your hands from grease and dirt.

Safety Precautions

Before you begin working on your vehicle, take the following safety precautions to ensure your safety and prevent any accidents from occurring:

1. Park your vehicle on a level and stable surface

Ensure that your vehicle is parked on a level and stable surface. This will prevent the vehicle from rolling and causing injury.

2. Engage the parking brake

Engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from moving while you are working on it. This is especially important if you are working on a sloping surface.

3. Wear appropriate safety gear

Wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, gloves, and sturdy shoes. This will protect you from any flying debris or sharp edges.

4. Use proper tools and equipment

Use the proper tools and equipment for the job. This will help you to safely and efficiently complete the task.

5. Follow all safety instructions

Follow all safety instructions provided by the vehicle manufacturer or in the service manual. This will help to prevent accidents and injuries.

Safety Precaution	Description
Park on a level surface	Prevents the vehicle from rolling
Engage parking brake	Prevents the vehicle from moving
Wear safety gear	Protects from debris and sharp edges
Use proper tools	Ensures safety and efficiency
Follow safety instructions	Prevents accidents and injuries

Removing the Wheel

First, you’ll need to gather some basic tools: a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, and a socket wrench.

Position the jack next to the tire you want to remove and raise the car until there is about 6 inches of clearance between the ground and the tire.

Place the jack stands under the car’s frame, one on each side of the tire you’re removing. Slowly lower the car onto the jack stands. This is to ensure the car is stable and secure while you’re working on it.

Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the tire, but don’t remove them completely. Once all the lug nuts are loosened, carefully lift the tire straight up and off the wheelbase.

Accessibility of the Brake Drum

Accessing the brake drum can vary depending on the vehicle. In some cases, it may be easily accessible by removing the hubcap and loosening the lug nuts, while in others it may require more extensive disassembly.

Removing the Brake Drum

To remove the brake drum, follow these general steps:

Safety Precautions: Park the vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels opposite the brake drum you’ll be working on.
Remove the Wheel: Remove the hubcap or wheel cover, then loosen the lug nuts using a lug wrench. Carefully lift the wheel off the axle.
Disconnect the Brake Line: Locate the brake line connecting to the wheel cylinder and use a wrench to disconnect it. Be prepared for some brake fluid to leak out.
Remove the Brake Drum: Use a penetrating lubricant to spray around the outer edge of the brake drum’s mating surface with the axle. Then, use a large hammer or mallet to carefully tap the brake drum off the axle. Note that some brake drums may have a retaining screw or pin that needs to be removed first.

Vehicle Type	Accessibility
Passenger Cars	Usually easily accessible after removing the wheel
Light Trucks	May require removing the axle or wheel hub
Heavy-Duty Trucks	Often accessed by removing the brake backing plate

Note: Always refer to the vehicle’s specific service manual for precise instructions.

Hammering the Brake Drum

In some cases, repeated pulling and twisting may not be enough to loosen the brake drum. In such situations, a hammer and a blunt chisel or punch can be used to carefully tap the brake drum off the axle. This method requires precision and caution to avoid damaging the drum or axle.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on hammering the brake drum:

1. Safety First: Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from metal shards or flying debris.

2. Choose the Right Tools: Use a hammer that is heavy enough to deliver a forceful blow without damaging the drum. A blunt chisel or punch should be used to spread the impact force evenly.

3. Locate the Lug Bolt Holes: Brake drums typically have several lug bolt holes around their circumference. These holes can serve as access points for hammering.

4. Position the Chisel/Punch: Place the tip of the chisel or punch inside one of the lug bolt holes. Make sure it is angled slightly inward towards the axle.

5. Gentle Tapping: Tap the chisel or punch gently with the hammer. Avoid using excessive force or hitting the axle directly. Keep adjusting the chisel’s position and tapping around the circumference of the brake drum until it starts to loosen.

6. Use Penetrating Oil: If the drum is still not coming off, apply a penetrating oil or lubricant to the hub or contact points between the drum and axle. Allow it to soak for a few minutes before attempting to hammer it again.

7. Patience and Persistence: Hammering the brake drum can take time and effort. Be patient and persistent, gradually increasing the force of your taps as needed.

Using a Puller

Step 1: Prepare the Drum

Before using a puller, ensure that the brake drum is loose on the axle. You can do this by applying penetrating oil to the hub and letting it sit for a few minutes to loosen any rust or corrosion.

Step 2: Attach the Puller

Place the puller jaws behind the brake drum. The jaws should be positioned evenly around the circumference of the drum.

Step 3: Tighten the Puller

Slowly tighten the puller’s center bolt or screw. As you tighten, the jaws will grip the drum and begin to pull it off the axle.

Step 4: Remove the Drum

Once the brake drum is loose, you can remove it by hand. Gently tap the drum with a hammer to break it loose, then slide it off the axle.

Step 5: Inspect the Hub and Drum

After removing the brake drum, inspect the hub and the inner surface of the drum for any damage or wear. If any damage is found, it should be repaired or replaced before reinstalling the drum.

Step 6: Additional Tips for Using a Puller

Here are some additional tips for using a puller to remove a brake drum:

Tip	Description
Use a large enough puller	A puller that is too small may not be able to generate enough force to remove the drum.
Lubricate the puller threads	This will help prevent the threads from binding and make it easier to tighten the puller.
Apply heat to the hub	If the drum is particularly stubborn, applying heat to the hub with a torch will help expand the metal and make it easier to remove.
Use a penetrating oil	If rust or corrosion is preventing the drum from coming off, apply penetrating oil to the hub and let it sit for a few hours before attempting to remove the drum.
Be patient	Removing a brake drum can sometimes take some time and effort. Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t come off easily at first.

Tapping the Brake Drum

To effectively remove the brake drum, tapping is essential. Here’s a detailed guide for this process:

1. Position the wheel:

Place the wheel on the ground and ensure that the vehicle’s parking brake is engaged.

2. Locate the brake drum cap:

The cap is usually positioned in the center of the brake drum. Use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry it off.

3. Loosen the brake adjuster:

Find the brake adjuster, which resembles a screw or handle. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen the brake shoes.

4. Remove the adjusters:

Once the brake shoes are loose, locate and remove the adjusters. These are small springs that hold the shoe in place.

5. Retract the shoes:

Using a brake spoon or a large flathead screwdriver, retract the brake shoes. This will create space to remove the drum.

6. Tap the drum around its circumference:

Using a mallet or a rubber hammer, gently tap around the circumference of the brake drum. Avoid hitting the drum directly, as it can cause damage.

7. Tap the drum repeatedly:

Continue tapping the drum evenly until it loosens from the axle. Be patient as it may require several taps. If the drum remains stuck, try penetrating oil and let it sit for a few minutes before tapping again. Use a flashlight to inspect the gap between the drum and the axle to ensure it’s wide enough before attempting to pull the drum off.

Rotating the Brake Drum

Step 8: Using a Hammer and Punch to Break the Drum Loose (Optional)

If you’re having trouble rotating the drum by hand, you may need to use a hammer and punch to break it loose. To do this, follow these steps:

Locate the two small holes on the back of the brake drum.
Insert a punch into one of the holes and tap it gently with a hammer.
Repeat this process with the other hole.
Once you’ve tapped both holes, the drum should be loose enough to rotate by hand.

Caution: Be careful not to hit the drum too hard, as this could damage it.

Tip: If the drum is still stuck, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen it up. Spray the oil into the holes and around the edge of the drum, then let it sit for a few minutes before trying to rotate it again.

Lubricating the Hub

Once the drum is loose, it’s important to lubricate the hub before reinstalling it. This will help to prevent the drum from seizing up in the future.

To lubricate the hub, apply a small amount of grease to the surface of the hub. You can use a brush or a rag to apply the grease.

Installing the Brake

Once the hub is lubricated, you can install the brake drum. To do this, simply slide the drum onto the hub and tighten the lug nuts. Be sure to tighten the lug nuts evenly to avoid warping the drum.

Removing the Brake Drum Bolts

To remove the brake drum bolts, you will need a socket wrench and the correct size socket.

Bolt size	Socket size
10mm	12mm
12mm	14mm
14mm	16mm

1. Locate the brake drum bolts. They are usually located on the back of the brake drum, behind the wheel.

2. Place the socket wrench over the bolt and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.

3. Continue turning the bolt until it is completely removed.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the remaining bolts.

5. Once all of the bolts have been removed, you can pull the brake drum off of the wheel.

Inspecting the Brake System

Inspecting the brake system is an important part of maintaining any vehicle. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your brakes are in good working condition and that your vehicle is safe to drive.

10. Inspecting the Brake Drums and Shoes

Tools and Supplies:

Floor jack
Jack stands
Lug wrench
Drum brake puller
Brake cleaner
Brake drum gauge
Brake shoe gauge

Steps:

Place the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Use the floor jack to raise the vehicle and then support it with jack stands.
Remove the lug nuts and wheel for the brake drum to be inspected.
Use the drum brake puller to attach to the brake drum and remove it from the wheel assembly.
Inspect the brake drum for any signs of wear or damage, such as scoring, cracks, or uneven wear.
Measure the brake drum thickness using a brake drum gauge to ensure it meets the minimum thickness specified by the manufacturer.
Inspect the brake shoes for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, chips, or uneven wear.
Measure the brake shoe thickness using a brake shoe gauge to ensure that it meets the minimum thickness specified by the manufacturer.
Inspect the brake springs and hardware for any signs of wear or damage.
If any of the components are found to be worn or damaged, they should be replaced before reassembling the brake drum.

Once the brake drums and shoes have been inspected, they should be cleaned with brake cleaner and then reassembled in reverse order.

How to Take Off Brake Drum

Taking off a brake drum is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes with the right tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Safety first: Park your car on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Chock the wheels to prevent the car from rolling.
Locate the brake drum: The brake drum is located at the center of the wheel. It is a round, metal part that is attached to the axle.
Remove the lug nuts: Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts that are holding the brake drum in place. Do not remove them completely yet.
Tap the brake drum: Use a rubber mallet or a hammer with a soft-faced attachment to gently tap the brake drum around the circumference. This will help to loosen it from the axle.
Pull off the brake drum: Once the brake drum is loose, you can pull it straight off the axle. If it is stuck, you can use a pry bar to gently pry it free.
Inspect the brake drum and shoes: Once the brake drum is removed, you can inspect it for any signs of wear or damage. You should also inspect the brake shoes and replace them if necessary.
Reassemble the brake drum: Once you have inspected the brake drum and shoes, you can reassemble the drum. Start by aligning the brake drum with the axle and then slide it into place. Tighten the lug nuts until they are snug.