Brake drum removal

[ColonelPanic]

Quick question: How the heck does one remove the rear brake drums? Dad and I have tried to take them off before, but didn't have any luck. Smacked 'em around a bit with a hammer (gently of course, since they don't seem to be too terribly robust like brake drums of days gone by) but the things just wouldn't come loose. Any tips we should know about? I'd rather not break the brakes, I have too many issues as it is. And the car has a lot of problems too! lmaoI guess I should have a look at 'em and see how much life is left back there, mileage wise, I'm at 56,000. They may be ok for all I know... The brakes are feeling quite weak in general, but I'm willing to bet that cause lies mostly up front. IIRC, I've always gone through at least a couple sets of pads up front before the shoes ever became an issue in the rear.I guess, if I absotively have to, I can take it to a pro. But if it's not too terribly complicated, I have plenty of tools available and I can be halfway capable of doing this sort of stuff if need be, and dad's quite good at it. Any help would be appreciated as always.

[tangerine]

Been a while since I'v looked at vibe breaks but if i remember right there was a bolt on the casing then after you remove that take a hammer and lightly pop it off. Not sure why but I had to replace my rear brakes before my front brakes so atleast i learned that b4 my car was murdered.

[zionzr2]

might just need a cleaning and an adjustment...As far as to remove them I'd be clueless there

[satur9]

theres to little holes on the front were you can screw a screw into to break it loose. not sure what size the screw is tho. you may also need to back off the adjusters. buy removing the rubber plugs on back plate and using two screw drivers to lift the catch and rotate the adjusters gear. the later part is hard to explain.. which is why im wont take the vibe to a brake shop. cause i know the wont know or do any of this. let me know if its easy i will try myself.

Attached files w040001.pdf (224.5 KB) 

[silver_vibe]

I get the following error trying to use your attachment: File attachments can only be linked from the message board server; Outside linking is not allowed.

[ColonelPanic]

Very cool! Thank you very much!

[satur9]

i think its fixed. i had to go to the other computer find it andput it on.

[silver_vibe]

Works Thanks.

[Mavrik]

well the obvious... make sure your E-brake is off otherwise hammer the face of it and then around the edge, I have had to use a screw driver between the drum and the backing plate before on some vehicles to help break it free. Lots of WD40 or brake cleaner as well.and most cases... if the brake drum has not been off before, there are two lock rings on the stud pressed against the drum you need to cut off that were installed from the factory.