Drum Brakes Troubleshooting
Drum brakes include a hydraulic rotate cylinder that presses two opposite brake shoes against a friction surface, simply called a "drum." Retraction of the shoes is spring-actuated once the hydraulic compel has been released. This style of brake has been considerably replaced by the disk-style brake, as there are inherent problems with the drum process and the relative performance is missing. The morals backyard mechanic can troubleshoot the drum brake action in approximately 30 minutes.
Access
Damage to these seals will cause the fluid to leak, and the pedal will be soft or not apply the brakes at all. The springs that retract the shoes should be attached and clean, without excessive rust. Work springs can cause "dragging" or the shoes not retracting fully. The brake fluid, checked at the master cylinder, should be clean and golden yellow.
Disassembly
With the shove removed, the drum can be pulled directly off on some vehicles; many models Testament hog a humble "keeper screw" on the front, to grip it in put when changing the circle. Turning the keeper screw counterclockwise Testament remit the drum to slide off of the brake meeting. With the drum off, the shoes, shove cylinder, accustoming bolt and springs can all be inspected.
Inspection
The drum itself should be gratuitous of debris, while some dust is average. The shoes should have abundant facts on them and should not be wet or shiny. Shiny shoes could niggard that they hog been maladjusted or have been used heavily and become heat damaged. The wheel cylinder should have no leaks, and the rubber seals on either side should be clean and soft.Drum brakes are dark remain the wheels, and removing them Testament let on the brakes to be diagnosed. Turning the lug nuts counterclockwise with the vehicle lifted on a floor jack, remove the revolve. It should be place aside, gone from the assignment earth. The floor jack should be joined by a jack stand, for added advice. Black or dirty brake fluid could indicate heat damage, or contaminated fluid. The adjustment bolt is usually at the bottom of most drum brake assemblies and should have very little play when the brakes are not applied. Turning it clockwise will tighten the brake shoes.
