drum brake removal to replace pads
#1
drum brake removal to replace pads
Does anyone know how to remove the drums on the rear brakes so I can replace the pads?
#2
If the drums are frozen on the hub, two choices. First try smacking the drum with a mallet or hammer. That may free it up enough to pull off. If not, look to see if you see a couple of threaded holes in the front face of the drum near the hub. If you do, these can be used to back the drum off the hub/axle. The holes are often 1/4-20, even on imports, but you may have to trial & error to see what the thread size is. Just make sure you use the proper thread-size bolts. Get a couple of hex bolts about three inches long (must be threaded all the way to the head) and run them into the holes. Alternating bolts, turn them about a half turn at a time. As the bolts are threaded in they will push the drum off the axle hub. A little wd-40 or penetrating oil helps, too, and of course make sure the parking brake is off before you start.
Last option would be to beg, borrow, steal, or rent a drum puller.
Last option would be to beg, borrow, steal, or rent a drum puller.
#4
Couple of safety notes I should have added:
1. Make sure vehicle is properly supported by jackstands.
2. Okay to remove both drums before you start the operation, but only disassemble one side at a time so the other side can be used for reassembly example if it gets confusing.
3. Use proper tools; brake springs hurt (and people have lost eyes finding out the hard way).
4. Check wheel cylinders for leakage; if in doubt, replace. They're cheap and may prevent you having to go back in again before the next shoe change.
1. Make sure vehicle is properly supported by jackstands.
2. Okay to remove both drums before you start the operation, but only disassemble one side at a time so the other side can be used for reassembly example if it gets confusing.
3. Use proper tools; brake springs hurt (and people have lost eyes finding out the hard way).
4. Check wheel cylinders for leakage; if in doubt, replace. They're cheap and may prevent you having to go back in again before the next shoe change.
#5
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Joe is right, you need to post the pertinent information first. But based on what you did write , there should be a hole in the back of the hub near the bottom. Take a flashlight and you should see an adjuster rod with a star-shaped wheel on it. Take a screwdriver and turn the star wheel either clockwise or counterclockwise until the drum frees up. BAck it off as far as you can and this should help you remove the drum. There may be a built-up ridge on the drum so you may have a struggle getting it over the ridge. I'm with Tow Guy on the one side at a time thing, they are a little confusing... Actually I've made a sketch of them before and that was a help. Please post back so we may help you further.....Good Luck.
#6
RE: Brake Drums
It is a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am. 57700 miles. Front brakes are disc and the back drum. The drums came off after spraying with a lubricant and some light tapping. The brake shoes looked just like the new ones I bought so I did not replace or remove them. Now I have a horrible sound when I brake and come to a complete stop. Any thoughts? I put them back the same way I took them off.
#8
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Might just be the lubricant you put on them when you took the drum(s) off. I'd wait a couple of days to see what happens. Unless your gut feeling says that something isn't right. Then you may have to go another round and find out for sure..........Good Luck.