GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I have a 2004 standard vibe with 85,000 miles. There are two shallow threaded bolt holes on my rear brake drums that are 180 degrees apart. They provide a way to push the drum out by inserting two bolts in them . Does anyone know the size of bolt to use? metric ? looks like course thread? It's not rusted out but there's not much thread there so I don't want strip the threads by experimenting.

Hi, The threads are metric. I don't know the exact size. I have an assortment of metric bolts and just looked for one with a course thread that fit. Greg

5/16 - 18

5/16 -18 may work / but they are definately metric. Be careful not to strip the threads or you will be beating on the drums with a hammer the next brake cleaning .

Kinda reviving an almost 10 month old thread here....I did my mom's brakes today, replacing the front brake pads and checking the rear shoes. The shoes show no wear after 6 1/2 yrs and 48,000 miles.I, too, had to use the threaded holes to get the drums off. I can officially state that the proper thread needed to nudge the drum off is M8-1.25 X 16mm. $2 at Autozone and I spared my drum and hub the agony of beating on it with a rubber mallet.I can almost assure you that after so many years, the drum ain't coming off without using the threaded holes. The mileage is quite low for being 6 1/2 yrs old, but the time has virtually welded the drums onto the hub.So.... even though our 'Japanese' cars weren't built in Japan, they do indeed use metric threads on the drums.

Quote, originally posted by vibecrxsi240sxse »So.... even though our 'Japanese' cars weren't built in Japan, they do indeed use metric threads on the drums. Almost every vehicle made uses metric hardware now. I can't think of any that don't. Metric is the only way to go, it's so simple.

There was another thread on this... In a pinch, take the threaded rod that holds the spare in place in the trunk to the hardware store. This rod is the exact same thread as the holes in the drum. Pick up a couple of hex head bolts of that size, pay the $1.50, Bob's your uncle.

any other tips? i was using the bolt from the spare as i have before, but the drums are quite old/rusted. they are partially stripped out from this attempt. i also have to pull them out now cause i was also attempting to knock the rust loose by lightly tapping with a hammer and prying them out but now there is rust or something in there and i can hear it rattleing and scraping around.

Quote, originally posted by tribalman »any other tips? i was using the bolt from the spare as i have before, but the drums are quite old/rusted. they are partially stripped out from this attempt. i also have to pull them out now cause i was also attempting to knock the rust loose by lightly tapping with a hammer and prying them out but now there is rust or something in there and i can hear it rattleing and scraping around.Whack it harder with a rubber mallet.

funny my drums come off every year at inspection time.Don't other states do the same?:shrug:

Take it to a repair shop for a free brake inspection (they'll have to remove the drums, yes?). Decline their outrageous brake repair estimate. Now you should be able to remove the drums yourself.