Brake Drum Removal

I plan on replacing my rear shoes now that the nice weather has returned. Lst year I tried to remove a drum and due to what I assume is a ridge on the drum surface where the shoes do not make conact I could not remove it. I assume I need to back off the self adjuster a bit.

I am not comfortable backing it off while on the outside of the vehicle and I don't dare get underneath a vehicle that is on stands or on the jack so................I was wondering if I drive the van up on ramps and back off the shoes from the inside (ie with me on the backing plate side), will the self adjusters re-adjust (thus making my back-off ineffective) during the 2 or 3 stops I need to drive off of the ramps?

My first thought is that it depends upon how much I back them off.

Just went through that with mine, had a good ridge worn in the drums that had them stuck on good. You should be able to adjust the star wheel without that much trouble. Most of the star wheel adjusting tools are just too long for the room you have between the spring and the backing plate, so I used a piece of scrap metal that had the right shape. I hit both sides with PB Blaster to help make it easier to loosen, seemed to help.

I would STRONGLY suggest that you purchase a "Drum Brake Hardware Kit".
This kit will include ALL the springs, including the self adjuster springs, and new hold down hardware.
The kit is cheap....and well worth getting....and will make the job easier, and more reliable.

I have pictures posted of my rear drum brake job in the pictures that are in the link in my "signature"

I bought new self adjusters, but did not need to......

I also bought new Bendix brand brake drums, but did not need to.....
I painted the drums also..... but NOT the frictional surfaces.
I was trying to do a "complete" job.

I posted pictures of what is included in each of the kits.

The hardware kit is shown in black....because I painted it also..... got carried away with the spray paint.

The '96 windstar came with organic linings for the drum brake shoes, so that is what I bought under the Bendix brand name at Advance Auto.

I would recommend that you buy some Disk brake caliper lube, and lubricate at the places shown in my pictures.
Don't over do the goo.
You do NOT want to get lubricant onto the friction surfaces.

Also, purchase LOTs of Brake cleaner to spray down things.....
You also want to spray down and clean the gear and sensor at each side for the wheel speed sensor.

Lots of great advice. I think I remember seeing the photos of your painted drums. I never knew they were new and I wondered how you got them so smooth. I stll may paint my pitted ones

Lots of great advice. I think I remember seeing the photos of your painted drums. I never knew they were new and I wondered how you got them so smooth. I stll may paint my pitted ones