Drum Brake Help

[dwendt1978]

First post didn't go through so here goes.

Changing the drums and pads on my 93 Metro, I can't get the new drums over the pads at all. Hope I'm not being a moron, but I've done many drum brakes with no problems at all.

I got one side on, but can't figure out how I did it. Any suggestions would be great. I'm getting ungodly frustrated with it.

[brivers]

I believe when I did mine there is an auto adjuster directly under the wheel cylinder that I had to release. You'll see it. Release it all the way. When you pump the brakes it will self adjust. As self adjusters go, I like it better than most. Hope this helps.

[GM Line Rat]

Either 1 or both of The rear Drums probably have a Groove/ lip worn into it and the brake shoes are getting caught on the lip while your pulling on them and attempting to remove them. Get a can of brake parts cleaner, get the rear tires off where you can work on the drums from the back side. Remove the rubber plug (If any) from the back side of the drum that covers the self adjuster access hole (Near the bottom of the drum)......Then spray the brake parts cleaner thru the hole to remove any buildup of brake dust from the star adjuster wheel and adjuster assembly. There may be a access slot near the access hole for a small screwdriver to go thru.....This is so you can lift up on the adjuster lever and be able to turn the star wheel and loosen it up. Stick a small screwdriver thru the access slot, lift up on the lever, then (As allready stated) turn the Star Wheel clockwise to loosen it all the way up, then remove the brake drum. If it's not loosening up, turn the star wheel in the opposite direction to loosen it up. IF a groove / lip worn into 1 or both of your rear drums.......You'll need to either have the drum(s) turned if enough metal is left on them......Or 1 or both will need to be replaced. Remember to clean all brake parts good with brake parts cleaner, and clean and grease the threads of the self adjuster bolt before re-assembly. If any springs are worn.......Replace them! Take pics of the whole assembly (Both Sides)...Before you start taking the brakes apart.....If you forget how to re-assemble it......You'll have them for a reference.

Here's a pic of a typical self adjuster assembly and a link to a video and how they work.



http://auto.howstuffworks.com/drum-brake2.htm

[MrPink]

A small thing: My '96 has ratcheted cam type adjusters, which you just trip with a screwdriver to let them loose. Don't know if the '93s are the same or not.

-Pink

[dwendt1978]

Mr. Pink,

You were right on the money. I took pics, you just release them with a screwdriver and presto!

Much different then most drum brakes.