I just changed my rear brakes last weekend. First on the backing plate you will find a rubber plug. Pull it out of course. Then with a small screwdriver or piece of metal at an angle (I have a brake spoon)there is an star wheel you adjust. it will pull the pads in away from the drum. I believe you rotate the starwheel up. If needed a little penetrating fluid around the wheel studs and hubcentric ring(I like PB Blaster)and a few hits on each side with a hammer should get it loose. You can also see how this is done from Autozones website. They have repair guides. just look up a 99 neon. The drums are all the same. Follow the steps its pretty easy. I did not remove the hub. Also becareful when attaching the springs. It can be done with pliers but a spring tool makes it a bit easier.

 

I gave up and went to a mechanic. when he got the drum off he found that the brake line was being pinched and the fluid could go to the brake but it wasnt leaveing so that jacked up the entire thing. Yay!