Drum Brake Hardware Discussion
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Brake hardware is a very generic term thrown around. When discussing brake hardware, we like to break things down into two groups: disc brake hardware and drum brake hardware. In this video, we discuss the different types of drum brake hardware.
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Before we discuss the individual types of drum brake hardware, we need to make a key point. Any time you replace the brake shoes, it is imperative that you replace the hardware with it.
Drum brake hardware undergoes a lot of stress. If you don't replace the hardware, you run the risk of the hardware failing. This will cause issues with the rear brakes. Taking the time to replace the hardware during a rear brake job will save you time down the road.
Hold Down Spring Kits:
Hold down spring kits do exactly what their name says. They hold the brake shoes down and keep them in place.
There are three main components in a hold-down spring kit: the springs, set cups and pins.
Return Springs:
Return springs return the brake shoes to their resting condition when the brake pedal is released.
Brake springs are color coded so you can match up the springs out of the kit. However, don't worry if the colors don't match the springs on the vehicle. As long as you ordered the right kit, the springs will fit fine.
Self Adjuster Hardware Kit:
Brake self-adjusters help ensure your brake shoes don't travel too far away from the drum.
How do self-adjusters work? When your car stops while in reverse, the shoe is pulled against the drum. As your shoes wear down, the gap between the shoes and the drum grows bigger. When that gap grows large enough, the adjusting lever rocks and moves the adjuster gear forward by one tooth. The more the shoes wear, the more the adjuster advances. This ensures the shoes are close enough to the drum to operate effectively.