Pretty sure the shoes are stuck to the drum?

CHILL1414

MEMBER
2005 GMC SIERRA
5.3L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
225,000 MILES

I am trying to replace my rear brake shoes on my truck. I took off tire and then beat the drum like a mad man with a hammer to loosen up the dust so drum could come off. It would not come off. Then I got the two bolts and started to try to push drum off using the two bolts. The drum will start to separate itself from the hub/dust plate but on the bottom side it is hung up on something the shoes and everything is pulling with the drum. So I am pretty sure the shoes are stuck to the drum. I tried to use the self adjuster to loosen pads too but that thing will not budge. But there is no pressure to it I removed brake line and the e-brake is not on. I have done extensive research and have not found anything to help me here. I am not an inexperienced person here however I am at a standstill here can anyone please help here? Any suggestions?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

It sounds like the brake shoes are holding things together. As a drum wears, a ridge develops where the shoes do not touch. When you try to remove the drum, the shoes catch on that ridge.

With that being said, under normal circumstances, you need to adjust the brake shoes down to close them to produce enough room to remove the drum. Try spraying a good penetrating oil on the self adjuster to see if you can work it loose. If you are unable to get the adjuster to move, all you can do is force the drum off. Keep in mind, retainers and springs are most likely going to break because it needs forced.

Please check out this video and guide.

https://youtu.be/UV0kfP17Co0

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-remove-stuck-brake-drums-a-comprehensive-guide

I have attached some pictures so you can see exactly what you are dealing with.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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