Please help! 1989 Bonneville

[natmyers]

Hi. Lots of good info here. My son is trying to get the hub off the rear drum brake. He can't get it off and he's tried for hours.

Is there that tensioner screw on this year models? We see a small hole but don't know if that's where to loosen the brakes or what.

We have very, very limited knowledge. His brake line (I guess it's called) is leaking and we want to fix it.

Thanks for the help.


Natalie

[GTP Dad]

There is a tensioner screw on these brakes. There should be access on the backing plate, they are usually on the bottom and there is a rubber plug in the hole. I suggest that he spray the area around the center of the drum and the lug holes with a good penetrating lube like PB blaster. This will help to free the rust. You may actually need to get a drum puller to remove the drum from the hub. They can be rented at an autoparts store.

[ChemMan]

I've actually had a brake drum rust on to my old ford so badly that I bent the drum getting it off. Do like GTP Dad said and spray penetrating fluid around the hub and lug holes, and then get a small mallet and give the drum a few good whacks around the outer edge of the face of the drum to help break it loose. It is also possible that you need to back the brake pads off a bit like you asked. Don't be too upset if you bend the drum when you take it off with a puller, just replace it.