Hey guys! Well, there has been some whining from my rear wheels so I was going to pull my wheels and brake drum to check and see if my rear seal and bearings needed replaced. But my drum would not budge, not a problem remove the plug from the back and manualy let off the tension from the brake. Wrong there is no plug in the back so I can do this. Any suggestions? My next move is to take it to the dealer and Have them "check" the rear brakes and after they break them free come home and fix it myself.

 

Not 100%, but I'm pretty sure there's 2 "dimples" at the bottom of each backing plate that look like the shape a plug...you're supposed to take a chisel and hammer and punch one thru on each one, then put the rubber plug in there from a hardware kit...of course, once you punch them thru you have to remove the drum to get the piece out so it doesn't tear up your drum and shoes. Big Fu**in' Hammer and some PB Blaster around the hub to drum area.

Now, if there are dimples, which one is it? I can't remember, I work on so many different vehicles I haven't the slightest idea...on my 2500, I'm pretty sure it's the rear ones.

 

Just had mine off last month. They were stubborn also. WD-40 around the center and studs, clean of the center crust with a wire brush, let it soak for a while get a big rubber hammer or 2X4 with a regular hammer. Jar it at different angles and it will come loose.

Replaced my rear gears, added a posi, and replaced my axles yesterday. Outer bearing had worn the axle shaft. No noise though.

Also we do have the adjuster plugs in the back. Just as he said, make sure to find the piece and get a rubber plug to keep trash out.
I have 110,000 and the back brakes are still good. Starting to get dry rot cracks in the center. Will change soon.

 

Here's the trick that a lot of the diesel guys use...

The lug nut on each side is a must. If you do this without them, your drums will end up rolling half-way down the street. I've seen it happen before [8D]

 

Well, not for sure if I remember seeing any dimples but I'll check it again this weekend and let you know how it turns out.

 

Well, heres how I get stubborn drums off. Quite simple actually. All you need is a good hammer and a big round punch. The bigger the better. I like to use the king pin outta older trucks, etc cause there big and flat on the front and back. You dont want to hit the edge of your drums as you will warp them and cause them to go outta round. But you take your punch and hammer in between the wheel studs. Go from one side to the other than back accross and work your way around. It will seem like its not doing anything but in reality its beating the drum agains the axle and vibrating it loose.

And dont for get, lube is your friend. Doesnt hurt to spray the center down with WD-40, etc.

It will take a bit of grunt to go, but this method hasnt failed me yet. Keep beating and sooner or later you will be home free.

 

Also, make sure you don't have the parking brake on....

 

I have used a propane torch many times for this. Just heat around the bolt circle, keep the torch moving. When you have it hot usually just a tap with the hammer will pop it off.[sm=americanasmiley.gif]