i lost brake pressure and the fluid is leaking from the back right brake drum... i imagine its the wheel cylinder but is there anything i should know about taking the drum off or will it just slide right off?? also do the shoes need to be adjusted to get the brake drum off? if so which way? Thanks

 

If the drum isn't stuck or rusted to the axle hub and the drum and brake lining aren't worn too rough, it will slide right off. If the drum is stuck to the axle hub, hit in between the bolts with a larger hammer. If the brake shoes need loosened, You generally push the handle end of the tool or screwdriver down, but you may need to get in there with a small screwdriver to push the self-adjuster away from the adjusting wheel.

 

Plan on new shoes, 2+ cans of brake cleaner as well as the cylinder...I would also check the other side while the rear is up, anyway.

 

thanks for the help guys!

 

Make sure the e-brake is off. Otherwise you will have a real hard time getting the drum off.

 

Just did mine yesterday.... REPLACE both cylinders. If you don't you'll be doing the other one with in a month or so. It usually does NOT stand-up to the pressure that the new one can handle. Both sides should run you around about $20.00 bucks total. Don't forget the break fluid and bleed the lines. Good luck!!

MSK