'98 cavalier 2.2...My wife lost the brakes coming home with the kids. Quite a scare. I found brake fluid all over one of the rear tires. Took the wheel off...the brake fittings are dry. Need to get the hub off to look at the brakes. Thats where I'm stuck. The hub wont budge. I thought the shoes might be locked against the hub but there's no access plate to loosen the parking brake lever. No knockout plates at all. I've been tapping on the hub for an hour...nothing. Am I missing something or is it just stuck really good.

 

Look on the face of the drum for a couple of tapped holes, usually 1/4-20 threads. Get a couple of bolts with the right thread pitch (make sure they are right size, should thread fairly easy for the first 1/4" or so) about 2-3 inches long and run them in the holes alternating ack and forth to stay even. Should force the drum off. Also make sure you've sprayed the center area where the drum will slide off with some penetrating oil or WD-40.

 

Thanks for the reply.
No threaded holes...I'll soak everything in wd40...
I'm tempted to get the 5 pound sledge hammer.

 

When all else fails, a drum puller will do the job, but you'll have to run one down at a rental place or parts store.

 

WD40 and couple big swings with the hammer did it.
Looks like the cylinder boots are toast...guess I'll have to replace cylinder and shoes. Is it a good idea to do the other rear wheel also?

 

Original poster:


Throw EVERYTHING out and replace it with new parts:

Shoes
Hardware
Wheel cylinders
Drums if they are marginal.

Hit the front and do the same thing. Friction, rotors, hoses.

Brakes are not something to gamble with. DO NOT cheap out.

 

You're absolutely right Joe...Thanks. The wife and kids are in this car...won't take any chances. I'll order all the parts.