drum brake help - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Irishpilot · 03-31-2008, 08:16 AM

I can't get my drums off and I'm wondering why. I've tapped on the backs trying to knock them loose. I've tried prying them off and it feels very solid. I'm running out of patience so any ideas would be helpful...

ed2552 · 03-31-2008, 08:22 AM

They are adjusted too far out, you need a brake spoon and possibly a small flat screwdriver, stick the spoon in and try to adjust, if it doesn't turn, take the screwdriver and put it in the slot and pry up while turning the spoon. Sorry, this is the best way i know to explain it, someone else will chime in and explain it better, good luck!

sandking · 03-31-2008, 09:15 AM

I had the same problem on my '72. I used WD40 around the center hub, then pry with a big screwdriver. Like ed2552 said, make sure the adjuster screw is loose so the pads are free.

Cyclone44 · 03-31-2008, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandking

I had the same problem on my '72. I used WD40 around the center hub, then pry with a big screwdriver. Like ed2552 said, make sure the adjuster screw is loose so the pads are free.

I had to do the same thing on mine...

ChevLoRay · 03-31-2008, 05:54 PM

....yeah, because as the shoes and the drums wear, a lip can form at the outer edge that will keep the drums from slipping off. It's a pain at times, but it can be done. Just be patient....and back those adjuster off so the shoes can retract away from the drums. It may take a while, but it will work.

cdowns · 03-31-2008, 06:15 PM

if you're trying to remove front brake drums and they're still riveted onto the hub you'll need to either grind the rivets off or remove the spindle nut and the wheel bearings/rears are like they said ,adjust the shoes in and wack them real good with hammer

Longhorn Man · 03-31-2008, 10:32 PM

he has a 71, so we'll assume this is rear drums he's workin on.
If the drum is stuck on solid, then it is probably stuck on the center hub. you can spray some penitrating oil on there, but the best thing, is do just smack it hard with a hammer.
If you pull on the drum and it moves, but gets pulled back on... then your shoes need adjusted down and it'll slide right off.

68gmsee · 03-31-2008, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irishpilot

I can't get my drums off and I'm wondering why. I've tapped on the backs trying to knock them loose. I've tried prying them off and it feels very solid. I'm running out of patience so any ideas would be helpful...

I just had to remove the front ones on my 68 GMC to check them.... You didn't say if you're removing the rear or front.. But as already mentioned, use a screwdriver to lift the adjuster arm if you have one and then with another screwdriver or adjusting tool loose the star nut.

On the pic below you have to turn the wheel opposite of the way the self adjusting lever turns it.

Irishpilot · 04-01-2008, 12:47 AM

Thanks for all the info! It is a '71 so it's just the rears and i think it is the adjusting screw. If I pry, the drum flexes and then settles back on

**oldgold70c10** · 04-01-2008, 01:50 AM

Coat the axle flange with Never-seize when you are done. It will save some trouble in getting the drum uff next time.

**passthebuck** · 04-01-2008, 02:06 AM

Thats my trick too oldgold70c10. There are few things I love as much as fighting with drums on a "simple" brake job.

Irishpilot · 04-01-2008, 07:32 AM

Yeah, all I was trying to do was take off the drums and paint them since I have wheels that expose them...so much for simple!

shifty · 04-01-2008, 07:41 AM

i ran into the same issue with mine recently. i was amazed that simply taking a BFH and smacking 'fervently' between the lug nuts in a circular pattern half a dozen times broke it free - and this is what the Chiltons or Haynes manual suggested to break em loose.

03-31-2008, 08:16 AM	#1
Irishpilot Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Kunsan AB, South Korea Posts: 187	drum brake help I can't get my drums off and I'm wondering why. I've tapped on the backs trying to knock them loose. I've tried prying them off and it feels very solid. I'm running out of patience so any ideas would be helpful... __________________ 1971 C-10, 406ci, restoration begun! 406ci sb; zero decked, bored .030, edelbrock aluminum e-tec heads, edelbrock performer RPM intake, comp 268 cam, comp 1.6 pro-magnum roller rockers, MSD street fire HEI, MSD 8.5mm wires, Holley Street demon 770, Hedman LT headers. 10.6:1 compression, Air Ride Tech bags on all 4-corners.

03-31-2008, 08:22 AM	#2
ed2552 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Charles City IA Posts: 1,626	Re: drum brake help They are adjusted too far out, you need a brake spoon and possibly a small flat screwdriver, stick the spoon in and try to adjust, if it doesn't turn, take the screwdriver and put it in the slot and pry up while turning the spoon. Sorry, this is the best way i know to explain it, someone else will chime in and explain it better, good luck! __________________ '67 C20, Under the Knife!, LWB, Eaton HO-52, Rear Coil Springs 72' GMC C2500, 350, TH400(?), Dana 60 '67 K10 4-spd., 305, SM465, Dana 44, 12 Bolt, RUST! '65 C60 292, 4 spd, 2 spd Rearend, 15' Grain Box, MINT! 09 Yukon Denali 82k Miles 6.2L/6A

03-31-2008, 09:15 AM	#3
sandking .....I am working on it..... Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anaheim Hills, Ca Posts: 960	Re: drum brake help I had the same problem on my '72. I used WD40 around the center hub, then pry with a big screwdriver. Like ed2552 said, make sure the adjuster screw is loose so the pads are free.

03-31-2008, 05:54 PM	#5
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: drum brake help ....yeah, because as the shoes and the drums wear, a lip can form at the outer edge that will keep the drums from slipping off. It's a pain at times, but it can be done. Just be patient....and back those adjuster off so the shoes can retract away from the drums. It may take a while, but it will work. __________________ 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.

03-31-2008, 06:15 PM	#6
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: drum brake help if you're trying to remove front brake drums and they're still riveted onto the hub you'll need to either grind the rivets off or remove the spindle nut and the wheel bearings/rears are like they said ,adjust the shoes in and wack them real good with hammer __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY Last edited by cdowns; 03-31-2008 at 06:18 PM.

03-31-2008, 10:32 PM	#7
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: drum brake help he has a 71, so we'll assume this is rear drums he's workin on. If the drum is stuck on solid, then it is probably stuck on the center hub. you can spray some penitrating oil on there, but the best thing, is do just smack it hard with a hammer. If you pull on the drum and it moves, but gets pulled back on... then your shoes need adjusted down and it'll slide right off.

04-01-2008, 12:47 AM	#9
Irishpilot Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Kunsan AB, South Korea Posts: 187	Re: drum brake help Thanks for all the info! It is a '71 so it's just the rears and i think it is the adjusting screw. If I pry, the drum flexes and then settles back on __________________ 1971 C-10, 406ci, restoration begun! 406ci sb; zero decked, bored .030, edelbrock aluminum e-tec heads, edelbrock performer RPM intake, comp 268 cam, comp 1.6 pro-magnum roller rockers, MSD street fire HEI, MSD 8.5mm wires, Holley Street demon 770, Hedman LT headers. 10.6:1 compression, Air Ride Tech bags on all 4-corners.

04-01-2008, 01:50 AM	#10
oldgold70c10 Who's got steelies? Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Morrison, Oklahoma Posts: 1,026	Re: drum brake help Coat the axle flange with Never-seize when you are done. It will save some trouble in getting the drum uff next time. __________________ 1969 C10 LWB W/ 250 I6 & 3spd 1970 C10 with '67 small window cab, 68 front end, blue; 305/TH350, 3.08 limited slip rear end, manual brakes, power steering; & 4-wheel drums-My daily driver. 1975 Chevelle Malibu Classic Coupe 350/th350 mint green 1970 C20 Suburban 350/700R4 4.10 gearing green & white 1978 Big 10 Silverado 350/th350, working ac, 2 tone blue-My summer daily driver 1983 GMC 1500 Sierra 305/SM465 2.73 rear end How to add a trip odometer to your 67-72 stock speedometer How to rebuild your Q-Jet My Truck Page My Youtube Channel

04-01-2008, 02:06 AM	#11
passthebuck Sisyphus was my mentor! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario CANADA Posts: 984	Re: drum brake help Thats my trick too oldgold70c10. There are few things I love as much as fighting with drums on a "simple" brake job. __________________ passthebuck #5642 -TWO 1967 GMC 910's. One with L6/3-on-the tree and the other with 355 w/435hp & a 700r4. -a 2013 Honda Civic as my "sensible" car

04-01-2008, 07:32 AM	#12
Irishpilot Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Kunsan AB, South Korea Posts: 187	Re: drum brake help Yeah, all I was trying to do was take off the drums and paint them since I have wheels that expose them...so much for simple! __________________ 1971 C-10, 406ci, restoration begun! 406ci sb; zero decked, bored .030, edelbrock aluminum e-tec heads, edelbrock performer RPM intake, comp 268 cam, comp 1.6 pro-magnum roller rockers, MSD street fire HEI, MSD 8.5mm wires, Holley Street demon 770, Hedman LT headers. 10.6:1 compression, Air Ride Tech bags on all 4-corners.

04-01-2008, 07:41 AM	#13
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	Re: drum brake help i ran into the same issue with mine recently. i was amazed that simply taking a BFH and smacking 'fervently' between the lug nuts in a circular pattern half a dozen times broke it free - and this is what the Chiltons or Haynes manual suggested to break em loose. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.



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