Hi everyone!
Does anyone know how to free brakes that are binding?
I tried taking the wheels off to free the pads but I can't get the drums off. Anyone got any ideas?
Thanks very much!
Seized brakes
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Seized brakes
Last edited by katiekat on Thu May 28, 2009 7:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
[sig]9631[/sig]
Not trying to be picky, but pads go with discs, shoes go with drums. I'm guessing that you have drums (standard on a Minor).
Use a spanner, bar, or other lever to turn the drum so that you align the hole in the drum with the brake adjuster, then use a screwdriver to turn the adjuster fully anti-clockwise. Note that rear brakes have one adjuster, front have two (opposite each other). This should allow the drums to rotate freely and hopefully come off. You also need to remove two cross-head screws that retain the drums to the hubs - if they are there, if not, then you will see counter-sunk holes where the screws should be.
It is often necessary to use levers to get the drums away from the backplate. It is also possible to carefully use a hammer to knock on the side of the drum to move it off the hub - at the same time, pull gently on the opposite side of the drum.
If you have a puller available, then that can help. As a last resort, knock the studs in (put a nut on the end to protect the threads) as far as they will go, as this can then allow the drum a little freedom. Good luck.
Use a spanner, bar, or other lever to turn the drum so that you align the hole in the drum with the brake adjuster, then use a screwdriver to turn the adjuster fully anti-clockwise. Note that rear brakes have one adjuster, front have two (opposite each other). This should allow the drums to rotate freely and hopefully come off. You also need to remove two cross-head screws that retain the drums to the hubs - if they are there, if not, then you will see counter-sunk holes where the screws should be.
It is often necessary to use levers to get the drums away from the backplate. It is also possible to carefully use a hammer to knock on the side of the drum to move it off the hub - at the same time, pull gently on the opposite side of the drum.
If you have a puller available, then that can help. As a last resort, knock the studs in (put a nut on the end to protect the threads) as far as they will go, as this can then allow the drum a little freedom. Good luck.
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mike.perry
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The two crosshead screws are retaining screws not tightening screws so do not use them for tightening the drum onto the hub. Pull the drum tight using two opposite spaced wheel nuts and when the drum is tight then tighten up the retaining screws. That way you will ensure that the drum is on square and you won't ruin the screws
[sig]3580[/sig]
Just try knocking the drum (hard) with a 'soft face' hammer - or a block of wood! but if they have seized - you will likely need to free-off the wheel cylinders and/or renew them.
Top-tip -- if the car is goiing to stand for any time -DO NOT have the handbrake on!
Top-tip -- if the car is goiing to stand for any time -DO NOT have the handbrake on!
Last edited by bmcecosse on Fri May 29, 2009 9:38 am, edited 1 time in total.
