98 Windstar Rear Brakes

[IngelheimFive]

I'm trying to get the rear brake drums off and can't figure out how to loosen the shoes. The adjuster access is very inconvenient--I can't see the cogs to turn and can't feel my way through it. Help. I don't want to ruin the drums, so I'd like to replace the shoes before I drive another inch.

[rodeo02]

That's a tough one if you cant get at the 'ol star wheel adjusters to back off the shoes. Maybe try working the E-brake to see if that will work the shoes back enough to pull the drums. Dunno, just an idea
G/luck
Joel

[ModMech]

Drum brakes on ANY vehicle are not fun to back off, and Windstars are no exception.

The release is on the top-rear of the adjuster, and you need to turn the adjuster upward from the back to back them off.

I got sorta lucky with ours, the brakes were not adjusting up well, so after getting the drums freed up from the hub, they came off rather well.

[fcrew]

I know it sounds harsh but if you wack the drums a few times along the outside edge( where the ribs on the drums are) you will loosen them up to where you can remove the drums. You won't hurt the drums doing this.