Can't Remove Brake Drum
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Can't Remove Brake Drum
Hi, I'm new here; glad to have found this place.
I have a basic 4-cyl 2005 Escape, and I want to check my rear brakes. I replaced the front pads recently when they went to metal at 34K miles. I don't expect the rear shoes to have gone bad yet, but I'd like to see for myself. My problem is, I can't get the drums off! I've done dozens of brake jobs in the past, so I'm not doing anything dumb like leaving the hand brake on, but the drums just won't come off! I am assuming I need to back off the hand brake adjustment (since Ford recently adjusted the tension under warranty) but don't know how to do it. I have, of course, removed the little retainer clips on the lugs... Frustrated. Somebody, please save my sanity!
I have a basic 4-cyl 2005 Escape, and I want to check my rear brakes. I replaced the front pads recently when they went to metal at 34K miles. I don't expect the rear shoes to have gone bad yet, but I'd like to see for myself. My problem is, I can't get the drums off! I've done dozens of brake jobs in the past, so I'm not doing anything dumb like leaving the hand brake on, but the drums just won't come off! I am assuming I need to back off the hand brake adjustment (since Ford recently adjusted the tension under warranty) but don't know how to do it. I have, of course, removed the little retainer clips on the lugs... Frustrated. Somebody, please save my sanity!
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Oh yes. Tapping, banging, prying from the bacik, 2 claw hammers, 5-lb mallet w/ crowbar, you name it. It feels like it's still bound somehow, like I need to disconnect something, because it won't even budge to one side a little after prying on it. I'm wondering if I have to disconnect the huge bolt on the back inside the ABS system, since it feels so solid.
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The car is fairly new, and there is no obvious rust around the drum or hub. It feels like it is being held. How do I back off the shoes? There is no port behind the drum to access one of those star wheel adjusters.
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Make sure there isn't 2 big flat screw heads that hold drum to axle like my daughters ZX2 Escort. Required a screw hammer(can't rremember correct name) to get them loose.
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From: Trappe Pa
If you have never adjusted the rear shoes then they should not be holding the drum on.
I just replaced my second set of pads and rotors on the wife's 2003 Escape at 56,000 miles. Vehicle has about 62,000 miles now.
I just replaced my second set of pads and rotors on the wife's 2003 Escape at 56,000 miles. Vehicle has about 62,000 miles now.
