Brake problem

[mmarks]

I have been investigating my brake light and brake problem and now traced the problem.

there is fluid leaking from INSIDE the drivers side rear drum. I assume this is due to leaking piston (or seal).

I am not rweally experienced in drums, I am used to disk brakes.

My question is, how do I remove the drum to get to the piston & what do I need to know when I re-assemble it? (torque, grease on hub etc)

thanks,

Mike

[mmarks]

OK thanks to a PM I have now removed the drum and found one of the cylinder seals is leaking.
Can I replace just the seal or should I replace the whole cylinder. Also, if I replace the cylinder, should I replace both axles?
I still have the shoes attached by a pin that goes from a spring to the very back of the drum - how do I remove this - it is the only thing left honding the shoe in place.

Any lastly, as there were lots of springs, levers etc and some fell out before I could take them out, does anyone have an exploded view of the assembly they could email me or post up here so I can see which bit goes where!!!!!


Many thanks.

Mike

[EVH5150]

You'll pretty much have to do a brake job. I think what happened is the cylinder that's mounted on the upper part of the hub assembly(forgot the exact name) blew getting fluid on the brake assembly. Once you get fluid on the shoes, theyre pretty much shot. Plus you'll want to get a good cleaner to clean the inside of the drum.
When changing the cylinder, be careful when removing the brake line nut, that you dont break it.
The best way to changing the brake shoes, is to remove both rear drums, so you have the other brake assembly as a reference, and lay the parts in an orderly fashion on the floor so its easier to put back into place
Get a Haynes manual to help you through the process. The drums are a pain to do and may take some time to do. Hope this helps you some. Good luck

[EVH5150]

OK , youll have to get a tool to remove the lock washer holding the pin and also get a spring tool to remove and reinstall the springs holding the shoes in place. You can probably rent these from autozone. Sorry you replied before I was able to. Like I said Use the other drum assembly for a reference, That should help you out. Good luck.

[bttur]

I just finished doing the front and back brakes on my 96 grand caravan. If your wheel cylinder was leaking it is recommended that you change out both of them. I also changed out all of my springs since it looked like they were due. I used the other side as a refrence. To remove the hold down springs I used a pair on needle nose pliers and pushed it and turned it 90 degrees and it came off. The hardest thing was tring to adjust the adjuster lever which you have to access from the back of the drum to get the brakes adjusted. Make sure you bleed of the drum brakes after you finish with the brakes since they might get air in them from removing the wheel cylinders. This was my first brake job and it took me a while doing the drums. Found the Hilton book on caravans very helpful.