Hi Guys, sorry if this has been addressed before but I have a quick question about the front drums on my car. I went to take it out of the garage the other day and the brakes are locked up. I am assuming the shoes are stuck open. Would that mean adjusting the wheel cylinder would possibly release the shoe? The car was out not too long ago so i dont think the drum is worn from the shoe and preventing it from coming off. also, in order to remove the drum, does the whole hub have to come off?

Thanks for the help

 

Yes, turning the barrel adjuster in will draw the shoes away from the drum. The drum and hub are an assy and come off together. You may have a collapsed rubber brake line that's working like a one way valve. Loosen the bleeder to see if you can relieve the pressure.

 

Be aware that you need to hold the self adjuster actuating arm off the star wheel to be able to retract the self adjuster. I use a small screwdriver through the adjusting hole in the backing plate, while I simultaneously insert the brake spoon to move the star wheel.

 

To remove a front drum you take it off with the hub they are pressed together.

 

Which is the absolute dumbest idea in the history of the modern automobile, lol.

 

As opposed to automatic transmissions where you can't check the fluid level?

In any case, the reality is that this forces you to repack the wheel bearings any time you look at the brakes. That's a good thing, because otherwise the bearings would be neglected and wear our prematurely.

 

What requires more frequent inspections / maintenance? Brakes, or wheel bearings? Just sayin'.

Its easy to check the fluid level on a trans w/ no dip stick. Just count the drips on the floor.