Removing the rear drums

[davelittlewood]

Hello there,

We need to replace the brake shoes on our 2000 TJ.

After jacking up the rear and taking the wheels off I can't get the drums off.
I can't even get the drum loose on the end of the axle shaft.

I've worried that if I just use a bigger hammer (and trust me I've got some big ones!) that I'll damage either the axle bearings or the diff (it this is the type with the C ring holding the axles in place).

Any tips for getting the drums off?

I think that it's just rust between then drum and the and of the shaft??

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Parking brake off?

 

[davelittlewood]

Parking brake off?

I think so, but even if the parking brake was in I would expect some sort of movement from the drum. It just doesn't move at all.

I think I need an hydraulic puller to move them

 

[WallyWest]

Can you spin them at all? Not with the drum half off, but seated down where it should be.

You most likely will need to go through the access port on the backplate and manually retract the shoes.

You can also try starting it up, get good pressure in the lines, and pump the brakes a few times. If the shoes are sticking a little this could convince them to go back where they belong.

 

[fooey]

I think so, but even if the parking brake was in I would expect some sort of movement from the drum. It just doesn't move at all.

I think I need an hydraulic puller to move them

If the parking brake is on they won’t budge. I know because if forget to release it every time.

 

[NWPA Jeepy T]

You most likely will need to go through the access port on the backplate and manually retract the shoes.

This

 

[qslim]

You most likely will need to go through the access port on the backplate and manually retract the shoes.

Yes, pop the plug off the backing plate & turn the star wheel to retract the shoes.

 

[Lou]

If you can't get the drum to move AT ALL, then the drum is rusted to the axle flange. I use a 3 or 4 lb sledge and whack right in between the wheel studs. 1 or 2 good swings it should now be free.

If the shoes need to be adjusted in, you will be able to "move" the drum just not pull it past the shoes.

 

[JDS123]

Heat is also a good tool for fixing a "rusted-to-flange" drum. If the hand brake is off (I forget everytime) and you have tried manually relaxing the shoes a bit, a good amount of heat and a BFH will do the job.

 

[Rubicon88]

HAMMER

but yes you need to make sure the drum
is seated proper...

then does it spin?

if so you need to need to hit it with a hammer. Hard. Mind those studs. Put lug nuts on a little ways to protect threads..

it will pop. At that point you can either pull all the way off or it will catch on the edge of the drum as a groove is worn into it.
At this point you'll need to turn the star wheel to retract the shoes as to slide the drum lip over them.

Obviously if the drum goes from spinning to not you're turning the star wheel in the wrong direction.

Good luck

 

[cpwolf]

I think so, but even if the parking brake was in I would expect some sort of movement from the drum. It just doesn't move at all.

I think I need an hydraulic puller to move them

Wait, so the parking brake holds a 3,000+ pounds Jeep in place on a hill.....but you think the drum “should still wiggle” when you move it? You a very serious weight lifter or Andre the Giant? Doesn’t matter, you aren’t that strong.