1. DRUM BRAKE DIAGNOSIS AND SERVICE
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DRUM BRAKE DIAGNOSIS AND SERVICE
DRUM BRAKE DIAGNOSIS AND SERVICE

2. Figure Tinnerman nuts are used at the assembly plant to prevent the brake drum from falling off until the wheels are installed.
Figure Tinnerman nuts are used at the assembly plant to prevent the brake drum from falling off until the wheels are installed.

3. Figure 100-2 Turning the bolts that are threaded into the brake drum forces the drum off of the hub.

4. Figure If the brake shoes have worn into the drum, the adjuster can be backed in after removing the access plug. After removing the plug, use a wire or a screwdriver to move the adjusting lever away from the starwheel, then turn the starwheel with a brake adjusting tool, often called a “brake spoon.”
Figure If the brake shoes have worn into the drum, the adjuster can be backed in after removing the access plug. After removing the plug, use a wire or a screwdriver to move the adjusting lever away from the starwheel, then turn the starwheel with a brake adjusting tool, often called a “brake spoon.”

5. Figure Using side-cut pliers to cut the heads off of the hold-down pins (nails) from the backing plate to release the drum from the shoes.
Figure Using side-cut pliers to cut the heads off of the hold-down pins (nails) from the backing plate to release the drum from the shoes.

6. TECH TIP: Cutting the Nails Trick Many times a brake drum cannot be removed because the linings have worn a groove into the drum. Attempting to adjust the brakes inward is often a frustrating and time-consuming operation. The easy solution is to use a pair of diagonal side-cut pliers and cut the heads off the hold-down pins (nails) at the backing plate. This releases the brake shoes from the backing plate and allows enough movement of the shoes to permit removal of the brake drum without bending the backing plate. The hold-down pins (nails) must obviously be replaced, but they are included in most drum brake hardware kits. Since most brake experts recommend replacing all drum brake hardware anyway, this solution does not cost any more than normal, may save the backing plate from damage, and saves the service technician lots of time. - SEE FIGURE 100–4 .
TECH TIP: Cutting the Nails Trick Many times a brake drum cannot be removed because the linings have worn a groove into the drum. Attempting to adjust the brakes inward is often a frustrating and time-consuming operation. The easy solution is to use a pair of diagonal side-cut pliers and cut the heads off the hold-down pins (nails) at the backing plate. This releases the brake shoes from the backing plate and allows enough movement of the shoes to permit removal of the brake drum without bending the backing plate. The hold-down pins (nails) must obviously be replaced, but they are included in most drum brake hardware kits. Since most brake experts recommend replacing all drum brake hardware anyway, this solution does not cost any more than normal, may save the backing plate from damage, and saves the service technician lots of time. - SEE FIGURE 100–4 .

7. Figure A liquid soaking solvent, such as brake cleaner, should be used to wet the linings. The purpose of wetting the lining material to prevent the possibility of asbestos from the lining becoming airborne. Asbestos is only hazardous when asbestos dust is airborne and is breathed in during brake system service.
Figure A liquid soaking solvent, such as brake cleaner, should be used to wet the linings. The purpose of wetting the lining material to prevent the possibility of asbestos from the lining becoming airborne. Asbestos is only hazardous when asbestos dust is airborne and is breathed in during brake system service.

8. Figure 100-6 Using a brake spring tool to release a return (retracting) spring from the anchor pin.

9. Figure A special tool, called a hold-down spring tool, being used to depress and rotate the retainer.
Figure A special tool, called a hold-down spring tool, being used to depress and rotate the retainer.

10. Figure 100-8 A typical rusty backing plate shoe pad
Figure A typical rusty backing plate shoe pad. This can cause the brakes to squeak when the shoes move outward during a brake application and again when the brake pedal is released.
Figure A typical rusty backing plate shoe pad. This can cause the brakes to squeak when the shoes move outward during a brake application and again when the brake pedal is released.

11. Figure 100-9 Applying lithium grease to the raised pads on the backing plate.

12. Figure A rule of thumb is that the lining should be at least the thickness of a nickel. This applies to both drum brake shoes and disc brake pads.
Figure A rule of thumb is that the lining should be at least the thickness of a nickel. This applies to both drum brake shoes and disc brake pads.

13. Figure 100-11 Cracked brake lining must be replaced.

14. Figure The top spring is a good-looking spring because all coils of the spring are touching each other. The bottom spring is stretched and should be discarded. The arrow points to the back side of the spring, which goes into a hole in the brake shoe. The open loop of the spring is not strong enough to keep from straightening out during use. Using the back side of the hook provides a strong, long-lasting hold in the brake shoe.
Figure The top spring is a good-looking spring because all coils of the spring are touching each other. The bottom spring is stretched and should be discarded. The arrow points to the back side of the spring, which goes into a hole in the brake shoe. The open loop of the spring is not strong enough to keep from straightening out during use. Using the back side of the hook provides a strong, long-lasting hold in the brake shoe.

15. TECH TIP: The Drop Test Brake return (retracting) springs can be tested by dropping them to the floor. A good spring should “thud” when the spring hits the ground. This noise indicates that the spring has not stretched and that all coils of the springs are touching each other. If the spring “rings” when dropped, the spring should be replaced because the coils are not touching each other. - SEE FIGURE 100–12 . Although this drop test is often used, many experts recommend replacing all brake springs every time the brake linings are replaced. Heat generated by the brake system often weakens springs enough to affect their ability to retract brake shoes, especially when hot, yet not “ring” when dropped.
TECH TIP: The Drop Test Brake return (retracting) springs can be tested by dropping them to the floor. A good spring should “thud” when the spring hits the ground. This noise indicates that the spring has not stretched and that all coils of the springs are touching each other. If the spring “rings” when dropped, the spring should be replaced because the coils are not touching each other. - SEE FIGURE 100–12 . Although this drop test is often used, many experts recommend replacing all brake springs every time the brake linings are replaced. Heat generated by the brake system often weakens springs enough to affect their ability to retract brake shoes, especially when hot, yet not “ring” when dropped.

16. Figure 100-13 Exploded view of a typical wheel cylinder
Figure Exploded view of a typical wheel cylinder. Note how the flat part of the cups touches the flat part of the piston. The cup expander and spring go between the cups.
Figure Exploded view of a typical wheel cylinder. Note how the flat part of the cups touches the flat part of the piston. The cup expander and spring go between the cups.

17. Figure Many wheel cylinders are bolted to the support plate (backing plate). The O-ring seal helps keep water and dirt out of the drum brake.
Figure Many wheel cylinders are bolted to the support plate (backing plate). The O-ring seal helps keep water and dirt out of the drum brake.

18. TECH TIP: Wet Is OK—Dripping Is Not OK When inspecting a wheel cylinder, use a blunt nose tool and pry up the dust boot. If the inside of the seal is wet, this means that some seepage has occurred, which is normal. If, however, brake fluid drips from the dust seal, this indicates that the wheel cylinder sealing cups have failed and the wheel cylinder should be replaced. Also check to see if the internal pistons can move easily by pushing on the pushrods. Replace the wheel cylinder if a piston does not move.
TECH TIP: Wet Is OK—Dripping Is Not OK When inspecting a wheel cylinder, use a blunt nose tool and pry up the dust boot. If the inside of the seal is wet, this means that some seepage has occurred, which is normal. If, however, brake fluid drips from the dust seal, this indicates that the wheel cylinder sealing cups have failed and the wheel cylinder should be replaced. Also check to see if the internal pistons can move easily by pushing on the pushrods. Replace the wheel cylinder if a piston does not move.

19. Figure 100-15 (a) Some wheel cylinders are simply clipped to the backing plate.

20. Figure (b) This special tool makes it a lot easier to remove the wheel cylinder clip. A socket (1 1/8 in., 12 point) can be used to push the clip back onto the wheel cylinder.
Figure (b) This special tool makes it a lot easier to remove the wheel cylinder clip. A socket (1 1/8 in., 12 point) can be used to push the clip back onto the wheel cylinder.

21. Figure The rust inside this wheel cylinder will not affect the operation as it is located inside the working area of the sealing cups.
Figure The rust inside this wheel cylinder will not affect the operation as it is located inside the working area of the sealing cups.

22. Figure When new, thicker brake linings are installed, the pistons and cups are forced back into the wheel cylinder and pushed through the sludge that is present in every cylinder.
Figure When new, thicker brake linings are installed, the pistons and cups are forced back into the wheel cylinder and pushed through the sludge that is present in every cylinder.

23. TECH TIP: Time—Not Mileage—Is Important Many brake experts recommend rebuilding or replacing wheel cylinders at every other brake job. Some experts recommend that the wheel cylinders be overhauled or replaced every time the brake linings are replaced. If the wheel cylinders are found to be leaking, they must be replaced or overhauled. The most important factor is time, not mileage, when determining when to repair or replace hydraulic components. The longer the time, the more moisture is absorbed by the brake fluid. The greater the amount of moisture absorbed by the brake fluid, the greater the corrosion to metal hydraulic components. For example, the brakes will probably wear out much sooner on a vehicle that is used all day every day than on a vehicle driven only a short distance every week. In this example, the high-mileage vehicle may need replacement brake linings every year, whereas the short-distance vehicle will require several years before replacement brakes are needed. The service technician should try to determine the amount of time the brake fluid has been in the vehicle. The longer the brake fluid has been in the system, the greater the chances that the wheel cylinders need to be replaced or overhauled.
TECH TIP: Time—Not Mileage—Is Important Many brake experts recommend rebuilding or replacing wheel cylinders at every other brake job. Some experts recommend that the wheel cylinders be overhauled or replaced every time the brake linings are replaced. If the wheel cylinders are found to be leaking, they must be replaced or overhauled. The most important factor is time, not mileage, when determining when to repair or replace hydraulic components. The longer the time, the more moisture is absorbed by the brake fluid. The greater the amount of moisture absorbed by the brake fluid, the greater the corrosion to metal hydraulic components. For example, the brakes will probably wear out much sooner on a vehicle that is used all day every day than on a vehicle driven only a short distance every week. In this example, the high-mileage vehicle may need replacement brake linings every year, whereas the short-distance vehicle will require several years before replacement brakes are needed. The service technician should try to determine the amount of time the brake fluid has been in the vehicle. The longer the brake fluid has been in the system, the greater the chances that the wheel cylinders need to be replaced or overhauled.

24. Figure 100-18 This starwheel adjuster is damaged and must be replaced
Figure This starwheel adjuster is damaged and must be replaced. A lack of proper lubrication can cause the starwheel to become frozen in one place and not adjust properly.
Figure This starwheel adjuster is damaged and must be replaced. A lack of proper lubrication can cause the starwheel to become frozen in one place and not adjust properly.

25. Figure Pre-assembly of the starwheel adjuster with its connecting spring often helps when reassembling a drum brake.
Figure Pre-assembly of the starwheel adjuster with its connecting spring often helps when reassembling a drum brake.

26. Figure Sometimes it is necessary to cross the shoes when pre-assembling the starwheel adjuster and connecting spring.
Figure Sometimes it is necessary to cross the shoes when pre-assembling the starwheel adjuster and connecting spring.

27. Figure 100-21 Brake spring pliers being used to install the connecting spring.

28. Figure Notice that the brake shoe is not contacting the anchor pin. This often occurs when the parking brake cable is stuck or not adjusted properly.
Figure Notice that the brake shoe is not contacting the anchor pin. This often occurs when the parking brake cable is stuck or not adjusted properly.

29. Figure The first step in using a brake shoe clearance gauge is to adjust it to the drum inside diameter and tighten the lock screw.
Figure The first step in using a brake shoe clearance gauge is to adjust it to the drum inside diameter and tighten the lock screw.

30. Figure Place the gauge over the shoes and adjust the brakes until they contact the inside of the gauge.
Figure Place the gauge over the shoes and adjust the brakes until they contact the inside of the gauge.

31. Figure To prevent getting grease on the lining, the wise service technician covers the friction material with masking tape. The tape is removed after the brake shoes have been installed.
Figure To prevent getting grease on the lining, the wise service technician covers the friction material with masking tape. The tape is removed after the brake shoes have been installed.

32. TECH TIP: The Masking Tape Trick Some technicians cover the friction material with masking tape to prevent contaminating the linings with dirt or grease during installation. After everything has been installed and double-checked, the masking tape is removed and the brake drums are installed. - SEE FIGURE 100–25 .
TECH TIP: The Masking Tape Trick Some technicians cover the friction material with masking tape to prevent contaminating the linings with dirt or grease during installation. After everything has been installed and double-checked, the masking tape is removed and the brake drums are installed. - SEE FIGURE 100–25 .

33. DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 1 Tools needed to service a drum brake assembly include brake tools, silicone grease, wheel lug nut sockets, and torque limiting adapters or a torque wrench.
DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 1 Tools needed to service a drum brake assembly include brake tools, silicone grease, wheel lug nut sockets, and torque limiting adapters or a torque wrench.

34. DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 2 After safely hoisting the vehicle to chest height, remove the brake drum.

35. DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 3 Remove the primary (forward facing) shoe return spring, using a brake tool. Then, remove the secondary return spring.
DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 3 Remove the primary (forward facing) shoe return spring, using a brake tool. Then, remove the secondary return spring.

36. DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 4 Remove the parking brake strut along with the antirattle spring.

37. DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 5 Use a brake tool to depress the hold-down spring, and then rotate it until the slot in the retainer lines up with the flattened part of the hold-down pin.
DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 5 Use a brake tool to depress the hold-down spring, and then rotate it until the slot in the retainer lines up with the flattened part of the hold-down pin.

38. DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 6 Removing the primary brake shoe plus the starwheel adjuster and connecting spring.
DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 6 Removing the primary brake shoe plus the starwheel adjuster and connecting spring.

39. DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 7 When the secondary lining hold-down spring is removed, the adjusting lever and pawl return spring can be removed.
DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 7 When the secondary lining hold-down spring is removed, the adjusting lever and pawl return spring can be removed.

40. DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 8 The parking brake lever can now be disconnected from the secondary brake shoe.

41. DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 9 Check the wheel cylinder for leakage
DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 9 Check the wheel cylinder for leakage. Check the pistons to see that they can move too during the inspection. This wheel cylinder is relatively new and not leaking.
DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 9 Check the wheel cylinder for leakage. Check the pistons to see that they can move too during the inspection. This wheel cylinder is relatively new and not leaking.

42. DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 10 Clean all six brake shoe ledges
DRUM BRAKE SERVICE Clean all six brake shoe ledges. Lubricate the ledges with silicone brake grease.
DRUM BRAKE SERVICE Clean all six brake shoe ledges. Lubricate the ledges with silicone brake grease.

43. DRUM BRAKE SERVICE Many technicians prefer to assemble the connecting spring and starwheel adjuster to both shoes to help in the reinstallation.
DRUM BRAKE SERVICE Many technicians prefer to assemble the connecting spring and starwheel adjuster to both shoes to help in the reinstallation.

44. DRUM BRAKE SERVICE Attaching the parking brake lines to the secondary shoe. The assembled parts at the bottom help keep everything together.
DRUM BRAKE SERVICE Attaching the parking brake lines to the secondary shoe. The assembled parts at the bottom help keep everything together.

45. DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 13 Installing the secondary shoe hold-down spring.

46. DRUM BRAKE SERVICE 14 Installing the secondary shoe return spring
DRUM BRAKE SERVICE Installing the secondary shoe return spring. Note that the primary return spring has already been installed.
DRUM BRAKE SERVICE Installing the secondary shoe return spring. Note that the primary return spring has already been installed.

47. DRUM BRAKE SERVICE After installing the brake shoes and springs, use a drum/shoe clearance gauge and set it to the inside diameter of the drum.
DRUM BRAKE SERVICE After installing the brake shoes and springs, use a drum/shoe clearance gauge and set it to the inside diameter of the drum.

48. DRUM BRAKE SERVICE Adjust the starwheel adjuster until the linings 16 contact the drum brake shoe clearance gauge.
DRUM BRAKE SERVICE Adjust the starwheel adjuster until the linings 16 contact the drum brake shoe clearance gauge.

49. DRUM BRAKE SERVICE After installing the drum, it may be necessary to make the final adjustment using a brake adjusting tool (spoon).
DRUM BRAKE SERVICE After installing the drum, it may be necessary to make the final adjustment using a brake adjusting tool (spoon).

50. DRUM BRAKE SERVICE After completing the brake service, be sure to cover the brake adjustment opening to prevent water from getting into the brake.
DRUM BRAKE SERVICE After completing the brake service, be sure to cover the brake adjustment opening to prevent water from getting into the brake.