Getting Rear Brake Drums off???

thekauz · 05-25-2009, 09:11 AM

I'm finally getting around to working on the brakes of my 86 Sammy. On the drums there is 6 phillips head screws and 4 nuts you have to remove to get the drum off. I can't get the 6 screws to back out. Anyone have any ideas on how to get them out???

Thanks!

Billjohn · 05-25-2009, 11:04 PM

Common question.

If the brakes are that far gone, the shoes may be worn into drums and that may be why they aren't letting go very easily. A couple things you can do. First make sure your e-brake is released, and then if it doesn't feel slack enough (feel the cable firmness at the rear axle) disconnect the cable at the back of the drum. With the four axle nuts removed (center of the drum) put the tire back on, just leave at least a half inch of space between the lugs and the wheel. Make sure you use enough threads so the lugs don't strip. Make sure the jack stands are sturdy and the vehicle is stable. Use the wheel as a slide hammer to 'yank' the drum off.
If after 3-4 good whacks it doesn't pull loose, bleed the brakes at the rear wheels, and try again.

Another way is to remove the nuts as above, but put the tire back on like normal. Then use the factory jack between the inner fender (towards body/floor area) and the back of the tire. Be careful, because the tire can come off with enough force to surprise you.

thekauz · 05-26-2009, 10:44 AM

The linkage is loose but I can't even get the screws to back out, they are frozen TIGHT.

Billjohn · 05-26-2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thekauz

The linkage is loose but I can't even get the screws to back out, they are frozen TIGHT.

Ok, I don't have my manual with me at work. What screws are you talking about?

thekauz · 05-26-2009, 04:05 PM

On the outer facing edge of the drums are 6 screws. They look as though they hold a dust/retaining ring of some kind.
It may be a brain fart on my part but I'll take the 4 nuts off and see if the drum can be removed with that retainer left on

If needs be I can take a digital photo for you.

thekauz · 05-26-2009, 05:00 PM

I was anxious to get the drum off and see to that ring, so I went out in the rain and went at it. The 4 drum bolts came off easily. I then put the tire back on loosely and used it as a poor mans slide hammer to get the drum off(after I did as you suggested and released the P brake) drum came off. The ring that had my attention came off with the drum and is attached to the drum, a debris shield of some type.

Thanks for your help

Billjohn · 05-26-2009, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thekauz

Thanks for your help

Any time. Glad it worked out.