Noise From Drum BrakeUpdated 14 days ago

How to Fix Noise from Drum Brakes

Overview

Are you hearing squeaking, scraping, or grinding noises from your electric scooter’s drum brakes? This article will help you diagnose and fix common drum brake noises, which can be caused by dust, worn components, or misadjustment. Follow these steps to restore quiet, smooth braking.

Scooter Models:

• Apollo Air
• Apollo Go
• Apollo City
• Apollo Pro

Before You Begin

• Place your scooter on a stable surface
• Gather basic tools: screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, and a clean rag
• Make sure your scooter is powered off and the brakes are cool

Solution

Step 1: Inspect the Drum Brake

1. Locate the drum brake—usually inside the wheel hub.

• Spin the wheel by hand and listen for scraping or squeaking.
• If possible, remove the wheel to access the drum and brake shoes (refer to your scooter’s manual).

💡 Tip: Take a photo before disassembly to help with reassembly later.

Step 2: Clean the Drum and Brake Shoes

1. Wipe away dust and debris from the inside of the drum and the brake shoes using a clean, dry rag.

• For stubborn dirt, use a small brush or compressed air.
• Avoid using oil or grease—these can cause more noise and reduce braking power.

⚠️ Note: Never use lubricants inside the drum brake.

Step 3: Check for Wear or Damage

1. Inspect the brake shoes for uneven wear or glazing (shiny, hardened surfaces).

• Check the drum for deep grooves or scoring.
• Replace worn or damaged brake shoes if needed.

Step 4: Adjust the Drum Brake

1. Locate the brake cable adjuster (usually near the brake lever or at the drum).

• Turn the adjuster to tighten or loosen the cable so the brake engages firmly without dragging.
• After adjusting, spin the wheel to ensure it moves freely and the noise is gone.

💡 Tip: Adjust in small increments and test after each change.

Verification

• The wheel should spin freely without scraping or squeaking
• The brake lever should feel firm, and the scooter should stop smoothly
• Braking should be quiet and consistent

Troubleshooting

Issue: Noise Persists After Cleaning and Adjustment

Solution:

• Double-check for worn or glazed brake shoes and replace if needed
• Inspect the drum for deep grooves; replace or have it resurfaced if necessary
• Ensure all parts are reassembled correctly

Issue: Brakes Feel Weak or Don’t Engage

Solution:

• Tighten the brake cable using the adjuster
• Check for excessive wear on the brake shoes and replace if thin

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Still Need Help?

If you’ve followed these steps and still have brake noise or issues, please contact our support team with:

• Your scooter model and serial number
• Description of the noise and what you’ve tried so far