Drums Won't Come Off

2001 Honda Civic EX

Hello. The rear brakes have never been done on this car. In fact, the drums have never been removed. I tried getting them off earlier today, but they are stuck. Being 6 years old, there is probably a nice lip keeping them on. I tried prying them off, but they don't move past a thread on the wheel studs. I removed the rubber grommet on the backing plate and you can't see in the hole. I can find the adjuster arm with a screwdriver, but can't get to the adjuster wheel to back the shoes off. Everything is too cramped to see in there and to really get in there. Any ideas?? Thanks!

Dumb question... Did you dis-engage the e-brake? If so, the proper way of pulling the drum is to use a bolt. There is a hole in front of the drum, near the center. I do not know the size of the thread pattern, but the idea is that you find a bolt that is about 2 to 3 inches long in that pattern and screw it in until the drum pops off, kind of like a bearing puller concept.

For your reference, the rear drums are self adjusting. When you drive the car in reverse, and stop, it self adjusts. Also don't forget to adjust the e-brake while you are at it.

Thanks hxgaser. The first thing after chocking the wheels was to release the e-brake. lol. I noticed the threaded holes in the drums. I thought about using bolts as a puller. I just wasn't sure if the shoes should be backed off. I'll give it a try tomorrow after work. I'll let you know if it worked.

You might be already done with the brake job, but here is what I did when I replaced the brake shoes.

I tried to turn the drums, but It turns out that it was almost the same price to replace the drums with new ones. I ordered it from buybrakes.com and I really recommand it. They verified the order and realized that the ones listed on their website was wrong one, and upgraded for better quality drums for no extra cost. Anyways, typically most aftermarket drums come un-painted. You might want to clean it and paint the exterior surface with brake drum paint. You don't need to, but it sure is nice to see painted drums than the rusted one.

Also I recommand that you get a spring kit from Honda. At least the horseshoe clips... You will know what I am talking about once you open the drums.

Disassemble all part, and spray the heck out of all surfaces with brake cleaner. I recommand that you do one side at a time, just incase you need to check the assembly. Check the cylinders for any leaks or possible boot damage. It is cheaper and easier replace the cylinders now than to do the whole thing again in a couple of months. Once checked, apply white lithium grease to all parts that touch one another. Such as adjuster, spring contact points and etc. Don't forget to lube up the back plate surface where shoes may contact. Then put it all back together. Your adjuster should be backed in all the way. Put your nicely painted drums back on and torque the wheels at 80 ft.lb. Drive in reverse and make several hard stops. Drive nice and slowly and see how it works.

I love when people start a thread and say they'll post back if it worked and you never hear from them again.. People like that should be perm banned from using this site.. Atleast say thanks..