Brake Drum Replacement
How are brake drum issues diagnosed?
Trained technicians have seen hundreds, if not thousands, of brake drums in their careers and training. The signs they look for when drum brakes are suspected of failure are deep grooves, stress fractures, black spots called hot spots, and a blue color indicating the brake drum has exceeded the allowable heat range. If any of these conditions exist, the technician will recommend brake drum replacement, or machining if appropriate.
How is a brake drum replaced?
To replace a brake drum, the brake shoes must be released from the drum, the wheel must be removed, and then the drum can slide off the wheel lug studs and brake shoes. The replacement drum is installed by sliding on, and the brake shoes can be readjusted before the vehicle is placed on the ground.
RepairPal Recommendations for brake drum issues
When replacing a brake drum, it is important to replace the corresponding drum on the other side of the vehicle. This will ensure the braking power is even and predictable. Brake shoes show wear patterns after many times of grinding into the brake drum, and must be replaced to avoid brake noise, uneven braking pressure, and unpredictable braking performance.
What to look out for when dealing with brake drum issues
Brake drums are notorious for being difficult to remove after a long period without regular service. In order to remove the drum, the brakes must be completely unadjusted, and either pried off, hammered off, or a combination of the two.