Brake Drum: Service and Repair

Brake Drum





Special Tool(s)

Removal

WARNING: Asbestos fiber dust can be present on brake and clutch assemblies and is hazardous to health if inhaled. Brake and clutch assemblies must be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner recommended for use with asbestos filters, such as brake/clutch/service vacuum. The bag must be labeled per the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) instructions, sealed, and the trash hauler notified as to the bag's contents. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

WARNING: If a vacuum suitable for asbestos is not available, cleaning must be done wet. If dust generation is still possible, technicians must wear government-approved toxic dust purifying respirators. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requires where asbestos dust generation is possible to be isolated and posted with warning signs. Only technicians carrying out brake or clutch repair are to be present in the area. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

CAUTION: To reduce the possibility of uneven braking, always install new rear brake shoes at both ends of an axle.

1. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.





2. CAUTION: Use of a brake drum puller or a torch is not recommended. Brake drum distortion can result.

NOTE: If the brake drum is rusted to the axle shaft pilot diameter, tap the center of the brake drum between the wheel studs.

Remove the brake drum
^ If equipped, remove the brake drum retaining clips.





3. If the brake drums will not come off follow these steps.
1 Move the brake shoe adjusting lever off the brake adjuster screw
2 Loosen the brake shoe adjuster screw nut by adjusting the nut upward.





4. Using the special tool. measure the brake drum inside diameter.
^ Install a new brake drum if the maximum inside diameter exceeds the specification shown on the outside of the brake drum.

Installation

1. NOTE: If adjusting the rear brakes refer to Brake Shoe Adjustment.

Position the brake drum on the vehicle.

2. WARNING: Whenever a wheel is installed, always remove any corrosion, dirt or foreign material present on the mounting surfaces of the wheel or the surface of the wheel hub, brake drum or brake disc that contacts the wheel. Installing wheels without correct metal-to-metal contact at the wheel mounting surfaces can cause the wheel nuts to loosen and the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion, causing loss of control. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

Clean the wheel hub mounting surface and wheel pilot.

3. Install the tire and wheel assembly.