rear drum problem? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

70chevc10 · 06-25-2004, 05:52 PM

I recently bought a '70 C10, and I was adjsuting the rear brakes today. Or shall I say I was trying to. The drums will NOT come off for anything. Suggestions?

1972ChevyGuy · 06-25-2004, 05:57 PM

Got a hammer?

70chevc10 · 06-25-2004, 06:22 PM

yeah, that didn't help too much. Maybe I just didn't want to start pounding too hard...

Robert1970C20rstbukt · 06-25-2004, 07:56 PM

Make sure you are turning the adjusting screw the correct way or you'll have a hell of a time trying to get it off, but it looks like it's too late for that. I did the same thing on my 3/4 ton and that was a ***** to get off, especially since it has a bigger drum and wider brake shoes.

Good luck

ChevLoRay · 06-25-2004, 08:28 PM

If there is enough wear on the drums to cause a lip to be felt on the inside edge (like you can feel it with the drums on, huh?), it will give the shoes a place to catch, preventing you from pulling the drum easily.

So, like the others suggested, you gotta back off on the adjusters. I think you go thru the front side of the drum to get to the adjusters. Takes two tools....a screwdriver to push on the ratchet and a brake tool to turn the pawl. I can't tell you which way is the right way to turn it. You just have to turn it and figure it out.

Sometimes, the drum center becomes locked onto the axle due to rust. So, some PB Blaster sprayed on the axle center at the drum is a start. Once it has soaked in, AND you have backed off the adjusters, you can tap the axle center with about a 2-lb hammer and it may (may not) loosen the drum. You may also have to tap the drum from the back side, around the perimeter of the drum, alternating by tapping on the axle side.

Eventually, you'll get the drums loose, and then the rest will be easy.

*chevytruckfan* · 06-28-2004, 01:58 PM

A three jaw puller works well if you have one big enough to get the gripping arms around the drums and the tightning screw at the center of the axle.

06-25-2004, 05:52 PM	#1
70chevc10 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 535	rear drum problem? I recently bought a '70 C10, and I was adjsuting the rear brakes today. Or shall I say I was trying to. The drums will NOT come off for anything. Suggestions?

06-25-2004, 07:56 PM	#4
Robert1970C20rstbukt Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Beeville, Texas Posts: 1,943	Make sure you are turning the adjusting screw the correct way or you'll have a hell of a time trying to get it off, but it looks like it's too late for that. I did the same thing on my 3/4 ton and that was a *** to get off, especially since it has a bigger drum and wider brake shoes. Good luck __________________ RJD 1984 Chevrolet C30 welding truck 454/SM465 1977 GMC C15 pickup 350/TH350 1970 Chevrolet C20 pickup 350/TH400 1970 Chevrolet K20 Suburban 454/TH350 1969** GMC 8500 478M V6/5 spd winch truck

06-25-2004, 08:28 PM	#5
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	If there is enough wear on the drums to cause a lip to be felt on the inside edge (like you can feel it with the drums on, huh?), it will give the shoes a place to catch, preventing you from pulling the drum easily. So, like the others suggested, you gotta back off on the adjusters. I think you go thru the front side of the drum to get to the adjusters. Takes two tools....a screwdriver to push on the ratchet and a brake tool to turn the pawl. I can't tell you which way is the right way to turn it. You just have to turn it and figure it out. Sometimes, the drum center becomes locked onto the axle due to rust. So, some PB Blaster sprayed on the axle center at the drum is a start. Once it has soaked in, AND you have backed off the adjusters, you can tap the axle center with about a 2-lb hammer and it may (may not) loosen the drum. You may also have to tap the drum from the back side, around the perimeter of the drum, alternating by tapping on the axle side. Eventually, you'll get the drums loose, and then the rest will be easy. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

06-25-2004, 05:57 PM	#2
1972ChevyGuy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kannapolis, NC Posts: 552	Got a hammer?

06-25-2004, 06:22 PM	#3
70chevc10 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 535	yeah, that didn't help too much. Maybe I just didn't want to start pounding too hard...

06-28-2004, 01:58 PM	#6
chevytruckfan Account Suspended Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lake Placid, Florida Posts: 930	A three jaw puller works well if you have one big enough to get the gripping arms around the drums and the tightning screw at the center of the axle.



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