Front Brake Drum Replacement
Mid America Motorworks 1964-1970 Bus Front Brake Drum 5 x 205
Article used with Permission: www.vw-resource.com
(Does not apply to disc brakes.)
Note: While this procedure applies to later-model cars (1966 and later), many of the points will apply to earlier-model cars as well.
When inspection of the brake drums indicates that turning of the drums is not possible because the metal is too thin, it is time to replace the drums.
Caution: Older brake linings contain asbestos, which is a health hazard if inhaled. Wear a face mask when working on drum brakes to avoid inhaling asbestos particles. Keep dust levels down; do not blow or vigorously brush accumulated material from brake parts.
Front Brake Drums
1. Block the rear wheels to prevent movement and apply the parking brake.
2. Loosen the front wheel lug bolts/nuts, then raise the front of the car and place it securely on jack stands.
3. Remove the front wheels.
4. On the driver's side front wheel, remove the clip which secures the speedometer cable to the dust cap using a small flat-blade screwdriver.
5. Using a large screwdriver, pry off the dust caps that protect the wheel bearings (both wheels).
6. Loosen the spindle nut lockbolt with a 6mm Allen wrench.
7. Remove the spindle nut and thrust washer from the end of the spindle.
Note: The left-side spindle has left-hand threads.
8. Pull the hub assembly out slightly, then push it back into its original position. This should force the outer bearing off the spindle enough so it can be removed. The outer race remains in the hub.
9. Remove the bearing.
Note: Group the various axle parts and stow them in plastic bags for cleaning later.
10. Pull the brake drum and hub assembly off the spindle.
Note: If the brake drum spins freely but you are still unable to remove the drum, the shoes may have worn a groove in the drum over time. Insert a brake adjusting tool through each of the two adjustment holes in the backing plate and turn the adjusters so that the shoes move inward enough to clear the ridge on the brake surface. (See our Brake Adjustment Procedure.)
Note: Remove the brake drum without using excessive force to avoid damage to the wheel bearings, etc. Gentle tapping around the rim with a rubber or copper-faced hammer, together with pulling by hand, will usually get the job done.
11. Pull off the brake drum and wipe dust from the inside of the drum with a cloth soaked in a water/detergent solution. Avoid inhaling the dust.
12. Inspect the braking surface inside the drum. If it is excessively scored, that's why we're here!
13. Cover the spindles with plastic bags and seal tightly to keep grit off of the threads. Slosh detergent/water solution over the exposed brake assemble to remove dust.
14. If you are going to be working on other parts of the braking system in addition to replacing the brake drums, run the Brake Shoe Replacement and the Replacing Wheel Cylinders procedures at this point.
15. Once you have completed working on the brake shoes, cylinders, etc., return your attention to the new brake drums. Install new inner and outer wheel bearing races in the new drums in accordance with the Wheel Bearings Procedure.
Note: In our experience it saves a lot of frustration, purchase new bearings and races, and have the inner and outer races pressed into the drums at a machine shop.
16. Repack the inner wheel bearing with grease and install it in the inner side of the brake drum, then install a new grease seal.
17. Install the brake drum on the spindle and repack the new outer wheel bearing in accordance with the above procedure.
18. Replace the thrust washer and spindle locknut, then adjust the bearings in accordance with the wheel bearing procedure.
19. Adjust the brakes according to the Brake Adjustment Procedure.
20. Replace the front wheels and lower the car to the ground. Fully tighten the lug bolts/nuts.