Some brake questions
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: East Coast
Some brake questions
My '86 has 46k miles on it, and original brakes. I noticed the front pads look to have about 5/32nd left on them. Better than an 1/8, but not quite 1/4". They are still quiet and work fine, how much longer do you think they'll last me? I don't tow or haul a lot with it.
Also, one of the drums still had the push nut retainers on it, so I'm sure it's never been off. However, both drums were stuck on there. I tried whacking them, but I don't think they are that worn and I didn't want to get into a big thing taking them apart without having new parts on hand. Any tips on getting old drums off? Is there a puller?
Also, one of the drums still had the push nut retainers on it, so I'm sure it's never been off. However, both drums were stuck on there. I tried whacking them, but I don't think they are that worn and I didn't want to get into a big thing taking them apart without having new parts on hand. Any tips on getting old drums off? Is there a puller?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
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From: Bonita Springs FL
I'd replace those brakes real soon. That's at the point where any shop will tell you they need to be changed. You risk damage to a rotor if you let them run much further.
There's no real trick to getting the rear drums off. If they've been on the truck since 1986, though, there's a good chance they're rusted on there. Can you spin the drum around by hand? If so, the shoes aren't binding it up. Try hitting the outside edge to pop it loose. If it doesn't work, get a bigger hammer.
If you feel the shoes dragging against the drum, there's a starwheel you can get to through a slot in the bottom of the backing plate. Back it off some until the shoes let go. If you go the wrong way, it will tighten, so be careful.
There's no real trick to getting the rear drums off. If they've been on the truck since 1986, though, there's a good chance they're rusted on there. Can you spin the drum around by hand? If so, the shoes aren't binding it up. Try hitting the outside edge to pop it loose. If it doesn't work, get a bigger hammer.
If you feel the shoes dragging against the drum, there's a starwheel you can get to through a slot in the bottom of the backing plate. Back it off some until the shoes let go. If you go the wrong way, it will tighten, so be careful.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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for removal problems, buy some PB blaster or whatever brand of liquid wrench and soak the whole damn thing for a couple days and then pound with the BIG coaxing hammer.
after that, you might have to heat it or pay someone else to break all their tools on it.
after that, you might have to heat it or pay someone else to break all their tools on it.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Long island NY
if you run them too thin, the rivits that hold the pads on will scrape your rotor up, most likely ruining it. for the rears, you probably need to bring the shoes back in, by turning the star adjuster from behind the wheel. it is on the bottom of the backing plate, and useualy a small rectangle plug covers it. use a small screw driver to ratchet it down.
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Posting Guru
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From: East Coast
Cool guys. I've done plenty of drum brakes before, but not much with disks, and I never had drums stuck like these! When the weather gets a little warmer in a month or so I'll put some napa premium pads on front, maybe turn the rotors but they looked ok, and pop those drums off the back. I might need to get the bfh out of the bottom drawr of the tool box.
Funny thing is, the brake pedal is still nice and high and firm, stops perfect, and makes no noise (knock on wood). Just wanted to check it out when I rotated the tires. I'll probably change the rubber hoses when I do the pads while I'm at it.
Funny thing is, the brake pedal is still nice and high and firm, stops perfect, and makes no noise (knock on wood). Just wanted to check it out when I rotated the tires. I'll probably change the rubber hoses when I do the pads while I'm at it.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Long island NY
I wouldnt bust out the BFH on the rear brakes, there is most likely a wear groove in the drum, and the pad hits the lip on the outside.. you need to bring the pads back in, or you'll destroy them and probably bend something. adjust them back in, and use like a rubber hammer or something.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2005
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Brake Tips
alot of braking is on the front and they should not be hard to replace
If you dont do alot of braking I would wait a bit on those
get a good c - clamp for the fronts and open your master cyclinder to back
off the caliper and then take the bolts off -- you might have those pins to pound out
If you dont do alot of braking I would wait a bit on those
get a good c - clamp for the fronts and open your master cyclinder to back
off the caliper and then take the bolts off -- you might have those pins to pound out
