The Clark company is always innovating. This is especially true for their forklift brake systems, as many of their current models use wet brake systems that greatly increase brake response efficiency. But Clark forklifts have been so durable and long-lasting that even today, it's normal to find older models in operation. Many of these lift truck models use simple but efficient drum brake systems, making them much easier to maintain. With this in mind and for those who still use Clark forklifts with drum brake systems, Lift Parts Warehouse wants to share what they need to know about the brake drum for Clark lift truck and what they need to take into account when purchasing its replacement.
What Does a Clark Forklift Brake Drum Do?
Clark forklift Brake drums are an essential element of a Clark lift truck's braking system parts, providing the surface against which the brake shoes press to create the friction that stops the vehicle. A brake drum for Clark lift truck is made from cast iron and is attached to the wheel hub. When the Clark lift truck driver steps on the brake pedal, the brakes are applied, and the forklift slows down or stops. The brake drums are mounted on the wheels and rotate with them. For clarity, we invite you to take a look at the following video:
The friction between the brake shoes and the drums causes the brakes to work. Over time, they can become worn or damaged, causing reduced braking performance. It is therefore important to regularly check the condition of your brake drums and replace them if necessary.
The cost of a Clark forklift brake drum can change for many things. It depends on factors like the model and year of the forklift, if the brake drum is used or not, and if the brake drum is an OEM or aftermarket product. This component can cost anywhere from a few hundred to thousands dollars. That's why it's so important to choose the right model.
Currently, the best way to get a replacement brake drum for Clark forklifts is to shop online. This is because it's easier to find the models you need, and there are more supplies, so prices are more likely to be competitive.
How Long Does a Brake Drum for Clark Forklift Last?
In general, if you follow the care and maintenance instructions for the brake system on a Clark forklift, the brake drum should last as long as the vehicle does. To ensure that, regular inspections should be carried out under OSHA regulations.
Clark forklift brake drums, if properly maintained, can last for many years
You should inspect the brakes every 2,500 hours of use. You can expect brake shoes to last between 5,000 and 700 hours; if they are replaced on time, the brake drum should not wear down too much. But if these indications are not done, a brake drum for Clark forklift will likely start to deteriorate and begin to present the faults we will describe later in this article.
What Causes a Clark Forklift Brake Drum to Fail?
The brake drum is a durable part, but it can still wear out over time. If the brake drum on a Clark lift truck is used incorrectly, it will need to be replaced eventually. You might need to replace a brake drum on a Clark forklift for many reasons. Below we will mention the most common faults that require its replacement.
These are one the most common reasons to replace Clark forklift brake drums
Deep wear
It can be deep, uniform wear at the edge of the drum where the lining rub path starts can result from brake drag, brake imbalance, and dirt embedded in the brake lining. On the other hand, deep wear only on one side of the drum indicates that the drum is not concentric with the bearing centerline of the hub.
Heat Checking
Heat Checking is fine cracks on the drum's surface. This is a normal condition that results from continuous heating and cooling of the friction surface. But, cracks that are one to two inches or more are usually deep and require that you replace the drum. Also, it's important to know that heat checking that appears only on one side of the drum results when a drum is not concentric to the brake linings.
Hot Spotting
Hot spotting is when there are black spots on a drum's surface. This can happen if the brake drag is too high, using extremely hard brake linings, or if the brake lining and drum are not in perfect alignment.
Polished or glazed drums (mirror-like shine)
A polished or glazed drum has a mirror-like finish on the friction surface. This condition occurs with some non-asbestos linings. Also, this can appear as a consequence of a low-pressure braking action and using low-quality Linings, which are not aggressive enough.
Oil or Grease Has Penetrated the Drum's Surface
If the brake system has been contaminated with oil or grease, It is difficult to reverse this damage because oil and grease can penetrate iron.
Worn brake drum bolt holes
If the brake drum bolt holes are worn, it is usually because the bolts were not tightened to the correct specification. The drum pilots may also be worn, and runout in the brake drum may have occurred. The mating hub or wheel pilots may be extensively damaged. In this case, you will need to replace both the hub and drum.
Oil or grease has Penetrated the drum on the left - Worn brake drum bolt holes on the right
How to Replace Brake Drum for Clark Lift Truck
Brake drums for Clark forklift are easy to remove
Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel with the brake drum. You will need to use a breaker bar or impact wrench to loosen them. Break them free one at a time.
Raise the vehicle with a jack and support it on jack stands.
Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
Remove the brake hub.
To remove the brake drum. But first, remove the dust cap from the center of the drum.
To install the new brake drum, simply reverse the steps above.
Torque the lug nuts to the proper specification and lower the Clark lift truck to the ground.
Finally, test the Clark lift truck to ensure the brakes are working properly before you put it back into service. If you have difficulty removing the brake drum from a Clark forklift, the tips suggested in this video may help you.
Purchase Your New Clark Forklift Brake Drum Replacement at Lift Parts Warehouse
At Lift Parts Warehouse, we are proud to be one of the leading distributors of Clark forklift parts and accessories. In our online catalog, you will find various brake drum types compatible with many Clark forklift models. Whether you need a replacement or an upgrade, we have the right brake drum for your needs.
We have a great shipping service that will deliver your product in a few days. If you need it sooner, contact our customer service, and we'll see what we can do. We're here to help you, and if you're unhappy with the product when it arrives, you can send it back, and we'll refund your money. For more information about our returns policies, please click here.
Contact us today and place your order. You can write to us via chat, or if you prefer, you can call us (+1) 800-210-8170. Give us the chance to show you why we're the best forklift supplier in the United States. You won't be disappointed!
If you are interested in buying other spare parts for Clark forklift brakes, we can help you. The products that our customers often request are the following:
Brake drums are an important part of Clark forklift models that use a drum brake system. In general, they should last for many years and, ideally, the vehicle's life. But we know that is not always possible, and you will probably have to do at least one replacement sooner or later. But the good news is that these devices are easy to replace and maintain. When you need a new brake drum for one or more Clark forklifts, do not hesitate to contact Lift Parts Warehouse services, you will not find a better place to purchase your replacement.
#108 - 209 Glen Cove Rd,
Carle Place,
NY, USA
11514
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1.800.210.8170
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