can't get drum off

[mccrob]

broke the bleeder on one back break need to get the drum off to get to the cylinder.It's not coming,is there a trick to theses ford,this is my first,is there some way to back the brakes off,i believe my rear end is off a '89 so the brakes are probaly the same.

 

[Jspafford]

There is a small plug on the bottom of the backing plate. Pull the plug out and use a brake tool or flat screwdriver to release the pressure on the adjuster wheel. This will retract the shoes and it should come off. You will have to make a few turns though.

 

[MAKG]

This does work, but it's a bit awkward if you've never done it before; you have to do it by feel. There are some nice photos in the Haynes book.

If this is part of a brake job and you can get the drum started off, you can whack it the rest of the way off with a hammer. You may very well tear up the brake shoes or bend hardware when you do this.

 

[90rangersuper]

when i did the brakes on my 90 ranger the drivers side came right off but on the passenger side i had to loosen the pads like Jspafford said, that little cable in there broke, causing it not to adjust and that adjuster rusted, it was a real b**ch getting mine off but it eventually came

 

[mccrob]

which way do I turn to loosen it

 

[bobbywalter]

push the little arm in with a small flat blade and turn the adjuster wheel down.


unless its on backwards and set up manual.

 

[metalmacguyver]

After you get it off, grind off the little ridge of rust and steel that has formed on the edge of the drum that makes it such a bitch to get off.

 

[gettle03FX4LevelII]

if all else fails get a bigger hammer lol you do some times need to use a dead blow hammer they tend to get a little rusty. If after you release with the adjuster take a dead blow hammer and bang around the entire drum and it should help break it loose.

 

[Mark_88]

If you're not sure what way to turn the adjuster, use a screwdriver and push down on the teeth in the gear...if you hear a click click click as you do that then you are tightening the brakes (adjusting them outward)...and then you just use another screwdriver to lift the lock and turn the adjuster the other way to release the pressure on the shoes...

You didn't mention left or right side, but the adjusters are designed so that the long end is facing toward the front of the vehicle...and one threads right and the other left...to push the shoes outwards...but if I can recall correctly, they both tighten by pushing the gear upwards...so to loosen them you need to move them downwards...

If not, vice versa...

I had to use a sledge hammer on my Tempo to remove one drum...but it did eventually come off...have fun!

 

[mccrob]

if any one needs to know,save trial and error,push up on adjuster to tighten brakes to get drum off,I just got lazy and was hoping some one would tell me before I went at it