YACT: Getting brake drums off, need advice - got it

[James2k]

I bought a Nissan pickup last summer, and I've decided to pull the drums off to take a look at the shoes (no noises or anything, just curious). I've tried hitting it with a hammer to loosen it up. It has threaded holes, but it seems like on both sides, that previous bolts have sheared off inside, making it impossible to screw it out. Does anyone have any advice on how to get them off, or will i have to drill them out?

1983 Datsun 720 p/u, 2wd, drums in rear, pads in front

 

[SupaDupaCheez]

First, make sure your parking brake is complete off and make sure your parking brake CABLE hangs loose under the car.

Get a brick (or something similar in size and hardness) and slowly (SLOWLY) lower the truck so the brake drum hits the brick. Lower the jack completely taking care not to let it 'drop' hard. Do that several times. If that doesn't do the trick right away...get some 'liquid wrench' or 'WD-40' and spray it into the threaded holes in the drum and around the studs. Soak it down really well and let it sit for about 20-30 minutes and repeat the above process. Using a metal mallet might loosen it up a bit too.

Hope that helps (I had to do that with my 88 Civic every time I rotated the tires). Once you do get it off of there...buy some 'anit-seize' and apply liberally on the back surface of the drum (DO NOT get it on the braking surface).

SDC

 

[ThisIsMatt]

I don't really follow the threaded holes thing, what are they from/for? Is there a grooved ring around the center lug where you can attach a puller?

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: ThisIsMatt
I don't really follow the threaded holes thing, what are they from/for? Is there a grooved ring around the center lug where you can attach a puller?

Many drums have threaded holes in them. You use bolts of the correct size and it will push against the hub and push the drum away from the back plate. Makes removing them simple.

 

[olds]

Pics?

 

[OrganizedChaos]

use a combination of heat and the biggest brass hammer you can get ahold of

 

[creedog]

James, look at the back side of the drum. Is there a little slot? Through that slot you can access the star wheel, using s screwdriver (small) you can push the acutator off the star wheel and turn the wheel so that it backs the shoes off the drum. This is the best way to get drums off, check your shop manual and see.

 

[James2k]

Hey all. I got one of them off, and I've decided I'll tap the other one to a larger size, and then replace them (if i can find cheap drums). I backed them off using the star adjuster, and the side I got off looks good, so I'll just deal with this after my trip this week. Thanks for all the advice ATOTers

 

[creedog]

Who's your daddy?