Rear drum brake help
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New User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 21
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Rear drum brake help
Howdy all, I was wondering if there is a way to tell what size my rear drum brakes are without pulling them apart? I discovered when ordering parts that there are two different sizes, I think 12x2.5 and 12x3.
Also, I haven't had the wheels off or anything, but what is the procedure to get the drums off? It looks like the axles have to come out, do these have c-clips inside the diff?
Thanks!
Also, I haven't had the wheels off or anything, but what is the procedure to get the drums off? It looks like the axles have to come out, do these have c-clips inside the diff?
Thanks!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 1
From: St Louis
Most of the time on the Half-tons you have to back the shoes off, and then you may have to tap the back side of the drum to break it free from the axle, depending on how long it has been since the last time it was removed. Get a manual, Hanyes or whatever, and it will tell you how to take it off.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Ca
Brake tools! The right tools will make this job go so much easier.
Remove the rubber plug on the backside to gain access to the star wheel. Turning this wheel you'll feel the drum getting loose. Remove springs, remove shoes, grease contact points and re-assemble. Pretty easy if you have a book.
Remove the rubber plug on the backside to gain access to the star wheel. Turning this wheel you'll feel the drum getting loose. Remove springs, remove shoes, grease contact points and re-assemble. Pretty easy if you have a book.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,402
Likes: 10
You should be able to get the drums off without pulling the axle shafts.
If your truck is Heavy Duty then it will almost certainly have the 3" wide shoes, however the only way to be sure is to pull a drum and measure across the old shoe.
As has been said, backing off the star wheel adjuster can make getting the drum off much easier. Good luck.
If your truck is Heavy Duty then it will almost certainly have the 3" wide shoes, however the only way to be sure is to pull a drum and measure across the old shoe.
As has been said, backing off the star wheel adjuster can make getting the drum off much easier. Good luck.
