Drum brakes won’t come off.

[Joe Z]

I have a 2015 mirage and I can’t get the rear drums off the car. I have already replaced the rear breaks before and now at 65,000 it needs them again. I swear it eats breaks like mad. With the center nut off the drum will not come off. I hammered at it with a sledge and was finally able to pry it out about 1/2 inch with a screwdriver but it will not come any farther. The wheel bearing seems to have some play in it with the nut off but with it on the wheel sit perfect. Also the center ring of the bearing that sits on the spindle doesn’t seem to move at all like it’s seized but I’m not sure. I looks like it’s trying to pull the bearing apart to me. I torqued everything to spec last time it was apart, I’m simply stumped. Anyone have this happen or have any advice? I really don’t want to pay a shop to fix something I should be able to especially since they want over $300 for just the rear breaks. Thanks

[Top_Fuel]

With the center nut off the drum will not come off.

The drum should slide off of the spindle once that nut is removed. You may need to retract your brake shoes prior to removing the drum. Your shoes may have worn into the drum...so there is now a ridge of drum material that is catching the shoes as you try to pull the drum off. Watch the first 40 seconds of this video to see what I'm talking about.


To retract your brake shoes, you insert a screwdriver through the backing plate to re-set the adjuster (see image below)...



Also check this thread for related photos.

You might want to try removing the other drum first. See if it comes off. It may help you figure out the other side. I have never re-set the adjusters on mine. I would probably need to try it with the drum off to understand it.

[foama]

@ Joe Z: You say " I swear it eats breaks like mad."
Mine has about 90 000km on it, and the first brake shoes have hardly any wear on them with at least 80% thickness of the lining left. It might have something to do with driving style.

[Joe Z]

I live in the mountains so it’s a lot of 18% grade hills that kill them. Unfortunately they wear out much faster than my other cars because they’re so small they heat up fast.

[Joe Z]

I’m going to check out the video now and give it a shot, thanks.

[Top_Fuel]

The video is mainly useful for the first 40 seconds (where it shows how the ridge catches the shoes). The part about using bolts to get the drum off won't work with our Mirages because they don't have any bolt holes.

When you finally get your drums off, check them for a ridge that is catching the shoes. Grinding off that ridge is not a bad idea.

Like I said...you might want to try the other drum first and see if it will come off more easily.

[BecauseRaceCar]

Dumb question here... Did you set the parking brake? I am guilty of doing it once.. forgot to release it after chocking the wheels..

[Joe Z]

Checked out the video and it’s not particularly useful other than the obvious issue with the ridges and the parking brake wasn’t set. Tomorrow after work I’m going to take another crack at it. I didn’t realize you can adjust the shoes from the outside by popping out a rubber piece from the looks of it. All of my older cars had a hub with the studs that the drum slipped over and the wheel held on so this setup is completely different from what I’m use to.

[mohammad]

The video is mainly useful for the first 40 seconds (where it shows how the ridge catches the shoes). The part about using bolts to get the drum off won't work with our Mirages because they don't have any bolt holes.

When you finally get your drums off, check them for a ridge that is catching the shoes. Grinding off that ridge is not a bad idea.

Like I said...you might want to try the other drum first and see if it will come off more easily.

For anyone wondering, the reason you can't have bolt holes is because the hub bearing is integrated into the drum, there would be nothing for the bolts to press against if holes existed. Since our lug studs are integrated into the drum you could potentially use a slide hammer with the lug nut attachment to pull them.

[Fummins]

I haven't had a problem removing drums. Yet...The bearing seems to be fairly tight to the spindle. I'd hope the center of the bearing isn't stuck or wedged on the spindle. Obviously you have to pull the drum off straight. Worst case get a slide hammer if you're really stuck. I've never tried backing the brakes off through the backing plate.
Good luck!