98 Protege LX brake drum removal

[watz528]

I am having trouble getting the rear brake drum off. so far we took out the 2 phillips screws in the drum and sprayed pb blaster in all crevices to cut the rust. we tried a puller on the drum and it ain't budging. I haven't figured how to adjust the brakes so the drum ain't getting caught on the shoes. any real help would be appreciated. thanks Watz.

[Doug Tatham]

Hit it a few times with a rubber mallet then use the puller again. They are a bear to remove. I've always had to use a puller. I don't know if the mallet actually helps, but it makes me feel much better.

[watz528]

ya we've been hitting it with a mallet and turning the puller screw but it almost seems like the drum is gonna break before it budges. I wasn't sure if I had to take the center locknut off but I'm thinkin thats for the wheel bearing assembly. I really think I have to adjust that shoes to move them away from the drum but I dont see were the adjuster is located.

[watz528]

Ok I got it, I took the spring off the parking brake lever behind the backing plate and then pried the lever forward and that brought the shoes in and the drum came right off. That was easy, it just took forever to figure it out.

[Doug Tatham]

If you find that the pads still have lots of surface don't be surprised. The brakes aren't self adjusting and you have to do it manually every 10K miles or so, otherwise you'll kill your front pads.

[watz528]

Actually the front pads on both sides, near the bottom were worn down and paper thin. I use my parking brake all the time because my driveway has quite a slant to it, so maybe that's why. The rear brakes are done, now on to the death wobble in the front end.(but that's for another thread)Thanks for the support Doug, I appreciate it.