Rear brakes

[Dufus]

What are these plastic rings on the rear brake drums of my Vibe, and how do they come off?? After beating on one a few times, it did finally began to spin slightly?Also, does it need to go back on?? I hope not, because some of the tabs on it are now broken off. Do these rings seal out water?Didn't have time to really look at it last night, and could really use any advice you might have before I start in again tonight. Thanks!

[CAN-AWD-VIBE]

what plastic rings... in the middle??? or around the studs???why are you beating on them if you dont know what they are?for your sake i hope they dont need to be there either...this was an ask first then beat on it kind of thing.

[joatmon]

I don't know, I should check my rear brake shoes, but haven't. I have this drawing and can't find anything that might be the plastic rings you are asking about. Can you post a picture of the ring?How many miles on it? Were you having a problem with the rear brakes? and welcome to genvibe.

Attached files conponen.pdf (47.6 KB) 

[engineertwin2]

The only thing I can think of off the top of my head would be hub-centric rings (but only if you have aftermarket rims). If you'd been driving around with the e-brake on, it's possible they would have fused to the rotor...but otherwise I have no idea......and you said there are tabs, so I am really clueless on this one...

[CAN-AWD-VIBE]

after some thought... maybe you are talking about the little rings over the wheel studs. they are installed during assembly and they need to be snipped off before you can remove the drum

[Digger]

I would say they are the retainer clips to hold the drum on at the factory. They are not needed if you drive with the wheel firmly bolted down to the drum.