Forklift 101: Drum Brakes

I’m braking up with you…. as in I’m going to brake up the low down on forklift brakes. I will delve into the exciting world of drum brakes, their parts, and a general guide on how to perform a routine brake job to help keep you from braking…well…anything in front of your lift when your un-serviced brakes give out.

-How It Works

When the pedal is pressed; pressurized brake fluid in the wheel cylinder actuates pistons to force brake shoes out against the brake drum. When the pedal is released the return springs pull the brake shoes away from the drums and push the cylinder pistons back into their bores.

The main component of drum brakes are

• Backing Plate (also known as a torque plate) – provides a base for the other components
• Brake Drum – the strong cast iron housing that is used to stop the vehicle
• Brake Shoes – the source of friction that contacts the brake drum
• Wheel Cylinder – the component that forces the brake shoes out to the drum,
• Return Springs – springs used to retract the brake shoes,
• The Self-Adjusting System – automatically readjusts the distance the brake shoes need to travel to contact the drum as the brake shoes wear down

Drum brakes are also self-actuating; as the brake shoes wear down they must travel a greater distance to reach the drum. When that distance reaches a certain point the self-actuating system reacts by adjusting the resting points of the shoes so they are closer to the drum.

The lift truck supply online parts store offers:

·Brake Pads	·Brake Locks	·Brake Puck Sets	·Disc Brake Pad Sets
·Brake Adjusters	· Brake Lines	·Brake Pucks	·Disc Brakes Calipers
·Brake Boosters	·Brake Manifold Kits	· Brake Sets	·Disc Brakes Rotors
·Brake Cables	·Brake Overhaul Kits	·Brake Shoes	·Hand Brake Leveler
·Brake Drums	·Brake Pack Kits	·Brake Wheel Cylinder	·Master Brake Cylinder
·Hydraulics	·Brake Pads	·Complete Brake Assembly	·Slave Cylinder

-Servicing Your Brakes

The following is a general guide to servicing your own Forklift Drum Brakes. Always refer to your owners manual for specifics for your make and model.

What You Need

Parts List:

4 Shoes Per Drum Brake (RH and LH)	Spring Kit	Lip Seal
Brake Pad Clips	Hub Seal	Brake Cleaner Spray
New Self-Adjusting Wheel Kit	Axel Seal	Anti-Seize

*Items may vary depending on make and model.

Tool List:

Forklift Jack	Wrench	Wire Brush
Stands or Blocks	Flat Head Screwdriver	Brake Spring Pliers

*Items may vary depending on make and model.

Getting to the Drum Brake System:

1. Block up forklift using a forklift jack and stands or wooden blocks
   • Safety glasses are strongly recommended to protect against the aerosol brake cleaner spray and possible spring popping. For models older than 1970 – wear a respirator until you can confirm that the shoes are non-asbestos.

2. Remove the drive wheel lug nuts and tire assembly
3. Place pan under the wheel area to catch any oil
4. Remove axle bolts
5. Remove the drive axel
6. Stuff a rag into the axle stub shaft the to help contain the gear oil
7. Remove hub lock nut
8. Remove hub lock washer
9. Remove drive hub

Dismantling the Drum Brake System

10. Remove the brake drum assembly
    • Some find it helpful to take a picture of the brake at this point to help with parts placement during reassembly.

11. Remove the brake shoe retaining springs
12. Remove the brake shoe retaining pins
13. Remove the brake lines to the wheel cylinder
14. Remove the wheel cylinder
15. Check for signs of damage or wear on all components. Replace as needed.
16. Use aerosol brake cleaner and a wire brush to clean parts that will be reused.
17. Replace L/H and R/H wheel cylinder
18. Remove both shoes
19. Inspect and clean all brake parts to be reused and check for signs of damage or wear and replace as needed
    • It is strongly recommended to always replace both axle and hub seals.

20. Clean and repack hub bearings

Putting Your Lift Back In Order

21. Reassemble in reverse
    • Check your brakes against photo you took earlier. If different work backwards until the difference is repaired.

21. Add oil to the differential that was lost when lost when replacing the drive axel
22. Add brake fluid to reservoir
23. Bleed the brakes
24. Back off the parking brake adjustment screw
25. Adjust service brakes
26. Adjust the parking brakes.

A proper brake job done with the right parts for your model will keep your truck stopping and your assets protected for miles to come. When it comes to your complete brake system; LTS has you covered across America with our online parts store and if you’re close to one of our branches we offer full brake services either at your site or in our full service shop.

For more information about forklift brakes, parts, or service:

Contact Lift Truck Supply
T:1.800.873.1828
E: marketing@short-pear.flywheelsites.com
F: Contact Page