Drum brake trouble!!

[Lyle1989]

I cant remove my drum, i can tell its because the shoes are caught by a ridge or lip in the drum. I cant access the automatic adjuster through a maintenance hole like ive read, cuz there isnt one. Ive been fighting this thing for hours there must be a trick to it.

[shorod]

What year Explorer are you working on? There is probably a metal plug where the self adjuster access hole is at. You should be able to tap that plug out with a hammer and screwdriver/chisel, then replace it with a rubber plug after you get the drum off.

Were you able to get the drum to slide off at all? If not, there's a good chance that the primary limiting factor for you right now is rust holding the drum to the hub. If you're able to get the drum separated from the hub, you should be able to walk the drum off of the shoes. It won't be easy, but once the shoe hold down springs compress, the shoes shouldn't cause the drum to be stuck for very long.

-Rod

[Lyle1989]

Its a 01 ford Taurus sry for got to mention that. I waa able to move the drum quite a bit theres about an inch gap around the entire thing. But when i pull or pry on it it springs back. The shoes are holding it in, there stuck on an edge in the drum

[Lyle1989]

I was thinking of trung to brake the drum, crack it some how. I probably need a new one anyway

[shorod]

The service manual says that for the 2001 Taurus with drum brakes there is an access hole for the brake self adjuster at the top rear of the backing plate. Are you sure there isn't a slot there with either a rubber plug or a metal plate? It would be just below where the wheel cylinder mounts to the backing plate.

-Rod

[Lyle1989]

wow dont i feel silly, there is a plug. That what i get for tring to do it at night i geuss. Im glad i didnt brake the drum yet. I just gotta hope i can turn the thing now.