How to Remove the Brake Drum of a Tricycle?
2 Answers
First, remove the nut and also detach the rear brake cable. At this point, the rear wheel can be taken off. After completing the above steps, the brake drum can then be removed.
When I was a kid, I often helped my family repair tricycles and gained a lot of experience in removing brake drums. First, you need to park the vehicle on level ground and release the handbrake or use bricks to block the wheels to prevent rolling. Use the appropriate wrench to loosen the wheel nuts and remove the wheel to expose the brake drum. Then, locate the small retaining screws on the drum—usually two or more—and remove them with a wrench or screwdriver. But don’t pull the drum out directly, as it’s connected to the brake shoes inside and might get stuck. I usually use a pry bar to gently lever the edges while rotating it slightly, applying some oil to lubricate any rusted areas before trying again. After removing it, clean out the dust and rust inside, and check the wear on the brake shoes. If they’re too thin (exceeding 2mm), it’s best to replace them. When reassembling, align everything properly, tighten the screws, and reinstall the wheel. Take your time with the whole process, stay patient, and avoid damaging any parts. After this procedure, the braking performance improves significantly, and regular maintenance extends the lifespan of my vehicle. For those without experience, I recommend watching some instructional videos first to avoid mistakes.