After over 2 years of driving my 97 4X4 1500sport (just over 70K) bought it with 45k I think. Any How. I was doing my brakes was noticing that I slowing down with my boat was getting a little hard. I did my pads no problem got to my drums(Rear) and seems that there is 1: no adjustment for them on the back of the axle and
2. (I know laugh all you want.) I cant get the drums off. And no the emergency brake was not on...First thing I checked. Done that a couple of times.
Anyone else ever had this problem? Or Know of a really good way to get them off..Tried my Gear puller but not big enough me or the gear puller..and a ballping and lots off WD40 and Liquid Wrench around the center hub.

Thanks for the help in advance

 

1: there is an adjustment..if you look on the back of the backing plate you will see 2 little ovals near the bottom. you have to knock one of the ovals out to get to the adjuster....dont remember which one.
2: beat them with a big hammer around the hub.....dont hit the studs or just hit in one spot though. then when you go to put them back on clean up the rust and put a coat of anti sieze on the hub.....no more rust. enjoy

 

Thanks-
I have seen the punch outs....Was hopin to get the drumoff first before going that route. To see which one to punch out.

Anyone seen different drums with a bigger hub hole?

 

When I have that problem I use a propane torch to heat the drum in the area of the bolt circle of the wheel studs. Some times it will pop loose by itself. If not I use a brass or dead blow hammer. Usually doesn't take much hammering.

 

Well I was finally back in town long enough to do my brakes. took 2 cans of this rust breaker and a 5lb sledge...I tried the torch thing..but with the days being over 100 deg and doing after my 35 mile drive back from my office they were plenty hot. I found that I had allot of pad left on both of them so i just adjusted them...Good stoping power now..... The only thing that concerns me is that one of the pistons for the shoes was a little wet with brake fluid. I dont think i have a leak i seem to have good brake pressure. Anyone ever changed the actuators on drum brakes? Any suggestions before i tackle this one?

 

It dosent hurt to change the wheel cyls if they are a bit damp. You should also check the u have a bit of preasure at the bleeder screw after the brakes have been aplied then releaced (with the drums on of course) this preasure is called residual preasure and it keeps a bit of preasure in the drum brake system to help keep the cups/seals inside the wheel cyl against the bore wall to prevent leaks.

It also dosen't hurt to have a brake flush done to remove moisture and debrise from the system. That is some good preventive maintenance.

 

Thanks for the advice..I did have pressure at the bleeders it was the first thing I checked after seeing that. I hadent thought about a flush and fill for the brakes. Humm Ill do that after I change that cyl that was wet. Thanks again