Rear Brake Drum Removal

Beach Toy · 10-18-2010, 09:20 AM

OK all, getting ready to check/replace rear brakes - lo-n-behold, FSM shows a SLIDE HAMMER to pull drums off! (and I don't own a slide hammer) So-ooo, is a slide hammer a necessity to get rear drums off, or do forum wizards have another magic way to do it NOT requiring slide hammer? If I have to buy one, I will, I'm sure there are other things I'll need it for. Also, went to rotate rear tires to front, but, center caps that say GEO are in the way to use on front. Do these come off, (and then go back on) and if so, what is the magic way to accomplish this, without breaking them? I have the funky 5-spoke aluminum wheels.

Bex · 10-18-2010, 10:28 AM

Sometimes you can get the drum off by hitting it with a rubber mallet (some lucky posters have just been able to ease them off after removing bolts). I have also seen people remove the bolts, then put their tire back on the car, and hit the tire to loosen the drum (use an old wheel if you have one). Slide hammer does make it easier. I think Harbor Freight has them cheap.

kick_fix · 10-18-2010, 10:34 AM

never hit it at frist., its iron and can break like glass, first read FSM,
sure, you dont have that...

there are 2 bolts there. 8mm, grade 8.8 or higher, i use higher.
now get 2 new extra hard grade 8mm bolts, screw them in evenly.
then 1 turn eash.
put penetrateing oil on the juncture to axle.
then when real tight , 50ft/bs
lightly tap the drum with rubber mallet, go easy on the hitting thing.

cheers.

Beach Toy · 10-18-2010, 05:46 PM

Didn't see where you could use the 8mm bolts on rear drums, holes must be rusted over, or I was looking too far out from center on the drum. Yes, have FSM and its shows use of a slide hammer and special zuki tool, wondered if there was any way OTHER than slide hammer to get rear drums off. Saw in FSM where I could use bolts on front discs, but need to get an 8mm tap to clean disc holes up first. Discs need turned as they are a rusty mess, for $5 over cost of turning, I can get new ones, think I will go that route. Sorry, back to rear drums, if 8mm holes aren't there or usable, then I will need to get a slide hammer. YES? Just trying to make sure I have to buy a slide hammer, and justify cost, and add that cost into doing rear brake job. Will generic adapter that comes with most slide hammers work to pull drums? I found slide hammer at handsontools.com for about $72 another for $136, they both appear to have the same pieces/parts with them. Again, don't mind buying the tools to do the job, just want a tool that does the job for less than arm & leg. (they had $600+ slide hammers too!) No, Kick-Fix, I won't hammer them off, lesson learned when I cracked a perfectly good drum that was stuck, buddy said, "Just hit 'er harder!"

loosenut · 10-18-2010, 07:11 PM

I have hit the drum with metal hammer and been successful (just don't let kick fix see you). Just got lucky I guess. Maybe put some lumber between. As for the plastic geo caps just push them from the shiney side to the dirty side with your hands the should pop out easy and go in the other rims just as easy

kick_fix · 10-18-2010, 07:28 PM

cast iron is what it is.
and so is luck,

i was only saying try the suz way. it shows how to do it in fsm. but if rusted bad, the end results are luck.

kick_fix · 10-18-2010, 07:30 PM

no rubber mallet the hit it with 2x4

no metal to metal hits.

kick_fix · 10-18-2010, 07:31 PM

ive seen my share of broken drums. most mech dont even blink,,just goes on the bill.

MODyourLIFE · 10-19-2010, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beach Toy

OK all, getting ready to check/replace rear brakes - lo-n-behold, FSM shows a SLIDE HAMMER to pull drums off! (and I don't own a slide hammer) So-ooo, is a slide hammer a necessity to get rear drums off, or do forum wizards have another magic way to do it NOT requiring slide hammer? If I have to buy one, I will, I'm sure there are other things I'll need it for. Also, went to rotate rear tires to front, but, center caps that say GEO are in the way to use on front. Do these come off, (and then go back on) and if so, what is the magic way to accomplish this, without breaking them? I have the funky 5-spoke aluminum wheels.

pull the rims.
Find the biggest hammer you can and 'gently' smack it until broken loose, remove with hands or pry bar

kick_fix · 10-19-2010, 04:43 PM

video it , we love flying pieces, youtube it.