Hard smack with a 5 lb sledge hammer.

 

^^ This!


those brakes get stuck on real nice and crusty like.

 

I'm trying to figure out how to unadjust the parking brake. I can get the little gear to turn one way not the other way now it's even tighter

 

The e brake isn't the issue....the brake shoes are the e brake. It sounds like the drum is frozen to the hub (the screws stripped out) or the shoes are catching on a ridge. Smack the drum to get it loose from the hub face. If it won;t come off, you should get back in there and back the star wheel off to retract the shoes. Otherwise you are committed to sledging the drum it till it comes off and replacing all the wreckage.

Make sure you watch a video to understand that it takes 2 screwdrivers to back the star wheel off. You have to lift the bar with one..and spin the adjuster back with the other.

 

Is your parking brake off or engaged?

 

Go figure All I had to do is use my eyes and some common sense. Still can't get it off I'm going to hit it with the air hammer tomorrow can't wait

 

I'm pretty sure I backed off the little gear as much as it can because it doesn't go anymore. I was able to get in there with two screwdrivers and figure out how to do it. Tomorrow I'm going to try a air hammer that I bought today. If that doesn't work I might get an 8-in pulley. The thing is I don't know if I have enough space between the backing plate and the back of the drum to have the pulley hold the drum.

 

 

View attachment 464251
View attachment 464250

Now that is RUST! Looks like 25 years of salt. The drum is part of the hub now. You have moved into HEAT as the only way to win this war. unless you have an air hammer and hearing pro. If you want to get it off you're going to have to heat it hot and let it cool multiple times. You have to try and break that bond. Sledge. You MIGHT get it off without destroying the hub and the bearing. If i was to bet...you won't get it off without causing damage. Then again it might pop loose.

WARNING - Get ready to go to go to the pick a part and get a new knuckle....though getting the rest of the suspension apart will likely be just as challenging.

 

Hit it with the air hammer with no luck. I'm pretty sure the pads are backed off all the way. This is not easy Don't know what to do here

 

Rust is the biggest problem working undercar. Make sure the star adjuster is fully retracted, otherwise besides the rust, the brake shoes will be holding the drum too.

Maybe try spraying rust penetrant into the two small removal bolt holes as well as the wheel stud areas. Let soak and spray again. Then see if you can hammer it off.

 

Is WD-40 okay I don't have penetrating oil. When I Google it it says WD-40 is penetrating oil.
How do I know what's holding it up? I saw a video where you can drill out the back of the pins that hold the brake pads. But I don't want to start doing that unless I have to. The wheel spins freely so I don't think that's what it is .

 

WD-40 is mainly (W)ater (D)isplacement formula 40. It's not as effective as PB Blaster. Some members like the expensive Kroil penetrant. But I think you need at least a PB Blaster.

Do clean off any oil and grease where they're not supposed to be afterwards with brake parts cleaner. Follow instructions and protect rubber and plastic from harsh brake cleaner.

 

On the front of the drum there's a rubber grommet that gives you access to the adjuster. There's another one that I found on the back of the drum What is that for?

 

I believe that's the shoe thickness inspection plug.

 

CRC Freeze-Off Super Penetrant 11.5oz

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and a sledge if your DIY.

Freeze off and a pneumatic hammer with hammer punch (if you have access to air) is how I get it done in the shop.

 

I do I have a air hammer. Got one at harbor freight with the hammer adapter bit.
What is a hearing pro? Also why would I take apart the rest of the suspension? I'm just changing the brakes.

 

I do I have a air hammer. Got one at harbor freight with the hammer adapter bit.
What is a hearing pro? Also why would I take apart the rest of the suspension? I'm just changing the brakes.

hearing protection

sorry - that is sarcasm. as rusty as that drum is, i doubt anything in the rear suspension is going to last.

 

I threw the tire back on yesterday after spraying WD-40 in and around the drum multiple times. Can I still drive this thing? Safely? I really don't have the patience to deal with this rust right now

 

Well, the WD-40 probably won't do much to help because it is not a penetrating fluid but it won't hurt it.

If the drum never came off, then the answer to your question will depend on how bad the rear brakes were and how much longer they can continue to work for you.

If heating with a blowtorch around that area did not release it, then the nuclear option is to get a saw and cut the drum off. It is a drag having to sacrifice a part due to rust but that's what rust does to us.

 

 

Bad idea?

 

Bing bong never underestimate the power of obsession to the point that you can't sleep