Many cars feature drum brakes in the rear. Although most of your vehicle’s stopping power comes from the front disc brakes, your drum brakes also require regular maintenance to ensure the utmost stopping power and safety.

To begin inspecting the rear brakes, you’ll need to jack the car up and remove the rear wheel and tire. Try to service one drake at a time, rather than trying to do them both. This will provide you with a guide when reassembling if you need one advises one Ford parts Collegeville retailer. You’ll also want to wash excess debris and brake dust off of the drum to be able to inspect wear and tear. You’ll want to look for any cracks in the drum and make sure that the hydraulic wheel cylinder isn’t leaking any fluids.

Measuring the drum is important an auto body shop Richmond says to determine if it is the appropriate size for your vehicle. This will require taking micrometer measurements along the inside of the drum. If the drum measures less than the maximum specifications outlined by the vehicle’s manufacturer, then Acura Service St Louis suggests it will need to be machined by a mechanic. If the drum is more than the maximum measurements, it will need to be replaced.

The brake shoes may also need to be replaced if they’ve been worn down significantly. If the lining is doesn’t meet the manufactures requirements, it will need to be replaced recommends Suzuki Service Rochester, and to do this you’ll need brake pliers. You’ll also need to remove the brake shoe return springs.

During this process it’s important to check for any leaks that may have developed. Leaking hydraulic fluid can be dangerous and Medford used car dealers say it could reduce stopping power. To do this appropriately requires loosening the brake line and checking the bolts located on the back of the cylinder. Be aware that inspecting this can be a bit awkward due to the position of such components and the bolts may be a bit difficult to reach.

When replacing a brake cylinder, always place the cylinder on the first. Afterward, bolt this it into place and reconnect the brake line. Manchester NH car dealers stress that it’s important to replace the cylinder before the shoes. In addition, you’ll want to replace the back shoe before the primary shoe. Using your brake pliers, you can apply the brake springs next. If you get lost during reassembly, you can inspect the owner’s manual, or look over the brake on the other side of the vehicle.

A turkey baster could come in handy to drain old brake fluid and add fresh fluid. After all steps are done, they can be repeated for the drum brake on the other side of the vehicle.

* * *

Learn how to change your brakes with ease.