How To Repair Worn Brake Drums?

Brake drums, as core components of a vehicle's braking system, are directly related to driving safety. Once worn, they not only impair braking performance but can also cause serious traffic accidents. This article will detail the causes, repair methods, and precautions forbrake drum wear, helping drivers address brake drum wear issues scientifically and ensure driving safety.

1. Common Causes and Dangers of Brake Drum Wear

(1) Common Causes of Wear

Brake drum wear is primarily caused by the following: Frequent braking over time causes constant friction between the brake drum and brake pads, gradually causing wear; poor-quality brake pads containing hard spots or impurities accelerate brake drum wear; poor lubrication of the brake system leads to improper fit between components, increasing wear; Furthermore, vehicle overloading and improper brake clearance adjustment can exacerbate brake drum wear.

(2) Dangers of Wear

Worn brake drums can result in longer stopping distances, unusual braking noises, and brake swerve. In severe cases, this can lead to brake failure, preventing effective braking, posing a significant threat to the lives of the driver and passengers. Furthermore, worn brake drums can damage other brake components, increasing repair costs.

2. Brake Drum Wear Inspection Methods

Before repairing, it's crucial to accurately inspect the brake drum for wear. Vehicle owners can use the following methods:

• Appearance Observation: Inspect the brake drum surface for visible signs of wear, such as cracks, grooves, or dents.

• Dimensional Measurement: Use specialized measuring tools to measure the inner diameter, outer diameter, and thickness of the brake drum, comparing these to standard dimensions to determine if the wear is within acceptable limits.

• Braking Performance Inspection: Perform a braking test in a safe location to detect any abnormalities during braking, such as a soft brake pedal or a noticeably increased braking distance.

3. Repair Methods for Worn Brake Drums

(1) Boring Repair

Boring repair is a common repair method, suitable for brake drums with less severe wear. The specific steps are as follows:

• Remove the brake drum from the vehicle and clean any oil, rust, and impurities from the surface.

• Install the brake drum on a boring machine and adjust the boring tool position and parameters based on the wear.

• Start the boring machine and bore the inner surface of the brake drum to restore it to standard dimensions and accuracy.

• After boring, polish and clean the brake drum surface to remove burrs and iron filings.

(2) Welding Repair

When brake drums are severely worn and boring repair is insufficient, welding repair can be used. The procedure is as follows:

Thoroughly clean and inspect the brake drum to determine the location and extent of wear.

Using appropriate welding materials and welding processes, weld overlay is performed on the worn areas to fill the gaps in the metal layer. After the overlay welding is completed, the brake drum undergoes heat treatment to eliminate welding stress and improve its hardness and wear resistance. Finally, boring and grinding are performed to restore the brake drum to its standard size and shape.

(3) Replacing a New Brake Drum

If the brake drum is severely worn, exhibiting irreparable damage such as cracks or deformation, or if repair costs are prohibitive, it should be replaced with a new one. When replacing, select a high-quality brake drum that matches the vehicle model and ensure proper installation to ensure proper functioning of the brake system.

4. Precautions for Brake Drum Repair

Before repair, the brake drum must be thoroughly inspected to accurately determine the degree of wear and damage and select the appropriate repair method.

During the repair process, strictly adhere to operating procedures to ensure repair quality. For example, when boring, control cutting speed and feed rate to avoid overcutting that could damage the brake drum. During overlay welding, ensure weld quality to prevent defects such as porosity and slag inclusions.

After repair, the brake drum should undergo a balance test to ensure rotational balance and avoid vibration and noise during driving. After the repair is complete, the brake system should be fully tuned, including adjusting the brake clearance and testing the braking performance, to ensure proper performance.

Choose a reputable repair facility and professional technicians to perform the repair to ensure effective and safe repairs.

5. How to Prevent Brake Drum Wear

• Regularly inspect the brake system, including the brake pads, brake drum, and brake fluid, to promptly identify and resolve any problems.

• Avoid frequent sudden braking to reduce friction and wear between the brake drum and brake pads.

• Choose reliable brake pads and brake fluid to avoid using inferior products that may damage the brake drum.

• Load cargo appropriately to avoid overloading the vehicle and reduce the strain on the brake system.

• Regularly maintain and lubricate the brake system to ensure proper coordination and operation of all components.

6. Maintenance Measures After Brake Drum Repair

After a brake drum repair is complete, proper maintenance can effectively extend its service life and ensure consistent braking performance. First, during the initial post-repair operation, avoid frequent sudden braking and heavy-load driving to allow the brake drum and brake pads to properly break in. Secondly, regularly clean the brake drum surface to prevent the accumulation of impurities such as oil and dust, which can affect braking performance. Additionally, monitor the operating status of the brake system. If any abnormal braking noise or brake pedal feel is detected, promptly inspect it to prevent further problems.

In short, brake drum wear should be repaired or replaced promptly; its impact on driving safety cannot be ignored. Vehicle owners should pay attention to the maintenance and upkeep of the brake system during daily use, conduct regular inspections, promptly identify any problems, and take appropriate measures to ensure safe driving. If you are unfamiliar with brake drum repair, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a professional repairman to avoid safety hazards caused by improper operation.If you are looking for a suitable and durable safe brake drum or other brake parts,welcome to contact us.Our phone number is +86-13363216781.Our website address is https://www.evfriction.com.Or you can email us if you want to order goods.Our email is  jessicabrakes12@gmail.com.