I am trying to remove my drum breaks to inspect the shoes and cylinders. I have already backed off the shoes. I sprayed wd40 on the lugs and it still didn't come off.What can I do?
Sounds like time to break out the big hammer. The drums are rusted to the end of the axle you have to get some movement and then they will pop off. Resorted to an 8 pound sledge on my dodge truck for the same thing. Good Luck. Coat liberally with antiseize ot make future checks easier.
Thanks for the info. I tried too knock it loose with a 5lb hammer. If I hit it too hard will it break. Will heating it up work by expanding the metal.Also someone told me it also can be a one peice unit,But I can't see that never hear of that? Thank you for you ideas.
Stewbing,<br /><br />You might be beyond trying to "save things".<br /><br />If they're that bad, get them apart anyway possible and I would suggest replacing them with disc brakes.
Your drums probably have a good size ridge. Try to make sure the brakes are backed off again and you might even have to resort to putting a pry bar behind the drum and working your way around. Hitting it with a hammer will also help. Based on your message I would imagine you will be doing a "Complete" brake job. If your shoes are worn (seems like the drums are worn too) you should plan on a rebuild of the entire brake. With the amount of moisture it is common for the springs to rust badly too.<br /><br />good luck....<br /><br />Bob
drums commonly seize around the axle centering boss. Hit the flat face of the drum with a good sized hammer. Be sure to ONLY hit between the studs, close to the axle ridge. Take turns hitting between the studs all around. I often pry with a screw driver between the drum and the backing plate at the same time. If you hit the drum any other place.......replace it. I've used heat as well, but be sure to replace the drum if heat used. As Alaska says, put a coat of coppercoat around the axle face when reinstalling......<br /><br />Two things we don't skimp on......brakes and steering.
