Cant get drums off

[dashhho]

I have a 2005 b4000 4.0L. I can't seem to get the drums off as the shoes are sticking when I try and pull the rotor off (Its not stuck to the hub - I can get it far enough to see the shoes are comming off with the drum). For the life of me I cant seem to loosen the shoe adjuster - It wont back off or tighten.

Is it possible the e-brake is not letting go?

I have new drums/shoes and hardware so If I have to cut it off then that might be easiest at this point..

Any ideas? And no the parking brake is not on...haha

 

[Curious Hound]

Might need to reach in through the back and turn the adjusters to loosen them. Sometimes the shoes will wear the drums in such a way that there is a lip on the edge. But the shoes will be adjusted to a bigger diameter and can't get past the ridge.

 

[Uncle Gump]

There is a ridge on the drum...

probably time for a couple pry bars and help it off the shoes. If it doesn't give it up... cut the hold down spring pins and pry a little more.

 

[MikeG]

Turn the adjusters. Easy peasy.

You'll have to stick your head down there and take a look through the little 'window' in the bottom of the backing plate. Use a small screwdriver to hold the pawl (metal finger) away from the 'star' wheel.

One way makes the adjuster tighter (should be evident pretty quickly which way) and the other will bring the shoes in enough to get over the ridge on the outside lip of the drum.

SOP for drum brakes.

 

[dashhho]

Sorry guys - I've tried reaching around and fiddling with the adjusters. I cant seem to get them to turn either way (its fun trying to get a screwdriver and the adjuster tool in there at the same time). Can these adjusters seize up?

 

[Uncle Gump]

Yes... and they do.

That's why I suggested what I did... I saw you said they wouldn't loosen or tighten

 

[MikeG]

Quite possible it all rusted together.

Were you able to move the pawl before trying to turn the wheel?

 

[franklin2]

I have a 2005 b4000 4.0L. I can't seem to get the drums off as the shoes are sticking when I try and pull the rotor off (Its not stuck to the hub - I can get it far enough to see the shoes are comming off with the drum). For the life of me I cant seem to loosen the shoe adjuster - It wont back off or tighten.

Is it possible the e-brake is not letting go?

I have new drums/shoes and hardware so If I have to cut it off then that might be easiest at this point..

Any ideas? And no the parking brake is not on...haha

If they are still using the pins with the springs and the little twistey things to hold the shoes in place, you may be able to get back there on the backing plate with a center punch and a drill, and drill the heads of the pins off so they pull through the backing plate. That may give you enough room at least to get them loose. A dremel tool may be able to get in there and grind the heads off the retaining pins.

 

[Roert42]

Stupid question.

Parking brake off?

 

[racsan]

When you do finally get them off, clean the inside of the drum real good, remove that rust ridge on the last 1/4” of the drum, Ive mounted my drums backwards on the axle flange, run the truck in 1st to rotate the drum and use a angle grinder to remove material a 1/4” in on a bevel so a rust ridge cant occur again. (kind of a “do it yourself” lathe) As for now- pry with big screwdrivers and pry bars, a little shock impact with a hammer while you are prying. eventually it will seperate. Even if you put new drums back on Id make that bevel on the inside edge. rust cant form where theres no metal.

 

[Shadowrider6661]

Welcome to the club.

 

[Dirtman]

Curse + sledge hammer. Only way. There is no magical trick.

Also learn your lesson and never neglect your rear brakes again. If they are that bad, they were not functioning. A good set of drum brakes should slide off with nothing but a slight wiggle.

 

[broncc]

You know what you must do...

 

[dashhho]

There is a ridge on the drum...

probably time for a couple pry bars and help it off the shoes. If it doesn't give it up... cut the hold down spring pins and pry a little more.

Thanks Gump, this will be tomorrow mornings fun.

When you do finally get them off, clean the inside of the drum real good, remove that rust ridge on the last 1/4” of the drum, Ive mounted my drums backwards on the axle flange, run the truck in 1st to rotate the drum and use a angle grinder to remove material a 1/4” in on a bevel so a rust ridge cant occur again. (kind of a “do it yourself” lathe) As for now- pry with big screwdrivers and pry bars, a little shock impact with a hammer while you are prying. eventually it will seperate. Even if you put new drums back on Id make that bevel on the inside edge. rust cant form where theres no metal.

I like the bevel idea. Will try this on the new drums.

Curse + sledge hammer. Only way. There is no magical trick.

Also learn your lesson and never neglect your rear brakes again. If they are that bad, they were not functioning. A good set of drum brakes should slide off with nothing but a slight wiggle.

I just got the truck in October. I didn't want to do the brakes outside in the cold so I let it sit till now - plan to do some routine maintenance on these brakes twice a year so I'm not back here again!

 

[dashhho]

You know what you must do...

Yeah I was thinking of that - I'm quite good at using a zipcut. But knowing my luck id knick the threads on the studs..