need help changing brakes

[blackrose_juggalo]

i have a 93 escort wagon and i can't get the back brake drum off .. is there anything special i have to do or is it just stuck .. i have beat on it i have taken out the screws, but it is still stuck on there, please help it really needs breaks thank you

[A. Souphound]

Originally Posted by blackrose_juggalo

i have a 93 escort wagon and i can't get the back brake drum off .. is there anything special i have to do or is it just stuck .. i have beat on it i have taken out the screws, but it is still stuck on there, please help it really needs breaks thank you

Make sure the Emergency brake cable is loose.
The brakes shoes are preventing drum removal. Remove the brake adjustment access cover (rubber plug) located on the backing plate above and behind the axle. Reaching through the access hole, push the brake adjuster lever away from the star wheel with a thin screwdriver and turn the star wheel with a brake adjusting tool or a screwdriver (moving the handle upward)to release the brake.
If the adjuster is frozen and you can't release the brake cut the heads off the 2 shoe hold down pins. This will allow the drum to be pulled out far enough to work on the adjuster and turn with pliers.