removing rear brake drums 2001 taurus

[sunnybee]

I am having an awful time removing the rear drums on my taurus The manual is just not doin it for me can anyone run me through it? thanks
sunnybee

[sfontain]

Frankly, it sucks. Especially if things are rusted.

Follow the manual to ensure that you have removed all fasteners. If you're having trouble getting the drum apart, you are going to need a find a way to loosen it. You can use a hefty flathead screwdriver or even a small crowbar, and you can tap it with a hammer or rubber mallet. Just be persistent and you will get it. This is yet another reason they need to STOP putting drum brakes on cars.

[mwt]

Either feel or look on the back of the drum. There is a rubber grommet in there.

Pull it out and insert a small screwdriver. There is a "star" wheel the tightens and loosens the shoes on the drum. It will turn vertically up and down. Turn it until it is loose and the drum will pull off.

Also make sure there aren't any of the little washers on the lugs the factory puts on during assembly to keep the drums from falling off.

if it is your first time doing this do them one at a time so you can refer to the other side for reassembly. It is backwards from one side to the other.

Mike

[sunnybee]

thanks for the help...what a friggin nightmare...if anyone is having problems backing off the adjusting screw let us know and we will tell you how to make your own tool

sunnybee