How to Remove Seized Drum Brakes Removing seized drum brakes is a task that requires patience, skill, and the right tools. Drum brakes are an older type of braking system found on cars, particularly on the rear wheels of many vehicles. Over time, these brakes can become seized due to rust, lack of use, or exposure to moisture. When this happens, it's crucial to address the issue promptly for safety reasons. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to remove seized drum brakes 1. Safety First Always start with safety in mind. Ensure the vehicle is on level ground, in park (or in gear for manual transmissions), and the handbrake is engaged. Use wheel chocks to prevent the car from moving. 2. Tools Gathering You will need a few essential tools including a tire iron, a hammer, a block of wood, a chisel, penetrating oil, and a large screwdriver or a brake spoon. 3. Tire Removal Loosen the lug nuts of the affected wheel and remove the tire. Keep the lug nuts in a safe place where they won’t get lost. 4. Inspection With the tire removed, inspect the drum and surrounding components for any obvious damage or issues that may have contributed to the seizure. 5. Lubrication Spray penetrating oil around the edges of the drum where it meets the wheel hub. Allow it to sit for a while to work its way into the seized parts. 6. Percussive Force Gently tap around the circumference of the drum with a hammer and a block of wood to loosen the bond between the drum and the hub Percussive Force Gently tap around the circumference of the drum with a hammer and a block of wood to loosen the bond between the drum and the hub Percussive Force Gently tap around the circumference of the drum with a hammer and a block of wood to loosen the bond between the drum and the hub Percussive Force Gently tap around the circumference of the drum with a hammer and a block of wood to loosen the bond between the drum and the hubhow to remove seized drum brakes. 7. Manual Movement Try to move the drum by hand to see if it has loosened. If not, apply more penetrating oil and continue with gentle percussive force. 8. Slow Progress Once you start feeling some movement, gradually increase your leverage using a large screwdriver or a brake spoon inserted between the drum and the backing plate. 9. Successful Removal Once the drum is freed, carefully pull it away from the hub. Be cautious of springs and other components that might fly off when the drum is removed. 10. Cleaning and Inspection Clean the drum and the mating surface of the hub. Inspect the inside of the drum for excessive wear or damage to the brake shoes and springs. 11. Reassembly After cleaning and inspecting, reassemble the drum brake system ensuring all components are correctly positioned and functioning well. 12. Testing Before lowering the vehicle, test the brake by hand to ensure it operates smoothly. Then, reinstall the tire, tighten the lug nuts, and perform a test drive at low speed to check the functionality of the newly serviced brakes. Remember, if at any point you feel uncomfortable with the process or unsure about what you're doing, it's best to consult a professional mechanic to avoid damaging the vehicle or endangering yourself.