On my truck, 83 2WD, leading-trailing type brakes, working through the slot in the backing plate, I have to hook the adjuster lever and pull it away from the adjuster in order to turn the star wheel in the direction that contracts the shoes.

For duo-serve type brakes I would have to PUSH the adjuster lever away from the adjuster to back off the pressure by turning the star wheel in the correct direction.

There doesn’t seem to be any reason just being tight, even over-tight, would cause the mechanism to lock up.

When you do the bolt in the drum hole thing, see if you can find a second threaded hole about 180 degrees from the first one. Then drive the two bolts in evenly.

 

Thks Robert
I know I have to push the release plate in and then move the star wheel. Problem is it is tuff to do both at same time. Hopefully I can make some headway tomorrow

Jim

 

I bet it's really the hub is stuck to the drum. All my toyotas have done that. Try using naval jelly on the rust. With the lugs slightly loose, roll back and forth a little and hit the brakes to knock the drums free, then try the bolts throught the face of the drum. Don't overdo it. Clean the hub and dress it with antiseize compound when you put the wheel back together.

 

Hi Corollacoaster
I wish it was but the adjusters are the issue. I have to figure out how to push on the release plate and turn the star wheel. Not easy to see lying on your back. Once I figure that out the pads should back off

Thks
Jim

 

Would it help to not so much see as feel what you are doing?
If the “release plate” is under spring tension you should feel it push back as you push against it.
When you probe back and forth through the slot, the star wheel should be the first thing you encounter, the closest thing to the slot.
And as you know, on one side the adjuster will have a left-hand thread.

 

Hi Folks
Well, I spent an hour and a half trying to free up one brake drum to no avail.
Looking into the little window I can see the star wheel and it looks like the stars are stripped.
I cannot seem to get an adjustment tool or a screwdriver to lock in between the stars.
They just keep sliding off.. Also, trying to find the adjustment star plate is a bitch.
I could not tell whether I was pushing on the plate or a spring.
I figure I have two choices after I try again tomorrow with a thicker adjustment tool to see if it will lock
in between the stars.
1. I can try and break the drum off with a sledge hammer
2. I can try to find a mobile mechanic to see if he knows any tricks

If anyone has any orther ideas, I am all ears

Thanks
Jim

 

Try to pry the drum off while turning it with a pry bar to give you better leverage, between the lugs. The rust on the edge will fight you but as a last resort. I would avoid the sledge hammer, it could actually damage the wheel bearing. Another thing is to leave the lugs 1/2 a turn loose and move the truck back and forth to break apart all rust bonds, If you have to destroy the drums do it with a grinder versus a sledge. Rock it sideways. Bleed off any pressure from the wheel cylinder.
Cut a hole in the drum where the adjuster is located. Get a cheap harbor freight grinder. You can cut a hole where the adjuster is and still use the drum even if only temporarily. Use safety goggles please!
Avoid the axle flange. if you cut a hole at the adjuster then you can get some penetrating oil on the adjuster and use a hammer and chisel, to break it loose.

 

Thks Old Mechanic
The drum is not rusted, I believe. The pad is up tight against the drum. I had tough time driving it into garage from street. If I use pry bar I will ruin the outside thin metal that surrounds the drum. I will hold off on the sledge. I guess I can grind a hole on the front of the drum where the adjuster is if I have to. Don't mi d replace drum.
Regards
Jim

 

Are you sure you’re prying the star wheel the right way? clockwise/counter clockwise?
If you could say which brake system you have someone might be able to look that up for you, unless you’re already sure.
In any event, unless you can disengage the adjuster lever from the star wheel, you won’t be able to retract the brake shoes.
Is it possible that using a thinner pry bar on the star wheel would be more likely to catch in whatever stubby spokes are left?
Actually I like Old Mechanic’s reply about making a hole. I would try a Milwaukee 2 or 2.5 inch Dozer hole saw from a big box hardware store, with arbor, about $20.
I’ve never drilled a brake drum, but drilling a brake disc years ago was surprisingly easy.
Have you searched for an answer on you tube?

 

Thanks Robert
I am pretty sure I am going the right way. Chkd FSM also. Maybe I will get lucky tomorrow. NAH..

Jim

 

How about a frozen emergency brake cable?

 

Probably not. My parking brake light is off. I cannot even pull the parking brake handle out because the shoe is up against the drum
Jim

 

I did some research on youtube. There are some drastic ways to get drum off. Drum puller. Removing (drilling out) brake shoe pins from back to release shoes and also removing bolts that hold brake cylinder along with undoing brake line. Drum puller on ebay is about $120.00.

I am going to try again tomorrow to release adjuster.

If TOYOTA would have put the damn adjuster hole at bottom instead of the top, it would have been better for us (me).

Will advise
Thks for all your input
Jim

 

Hi Folks
Here is final outcome of my stuck brake drums. The adjusters were really locked up, so after reviewing youtube videos and getting some free brake expertise advice, I did the following: And thanks to everyone's advice on this forum. Really appreciated your assistance

1. Cut off pins on the backing plate to release the brake shoe hold down springs. Used a sharp chisel to lift the pins then slid the tool used for removing door panels under the pin to pry it up so I could use my cheap Dremel with a cutoff wheel.
2. Released brake line and plugged it.
3. Disconnect brake cylinder
4. This gave me a little slack to pry drum forward until studs were even with drum holes as screw holes on one drum were stripped so I had to release bottom spring on shoes
6. Now enough play
7. I was able to use screw holes to pull drum even with studs with other drum
8. Used a small block of wood placed against the middle and used a 15" pry bar to get the drums off

Those damn shoes were so tight against the drums. It took me awhile to pry the drums off

That' all Folks
Thks Again
Jim