2002 Dodge Caravan

STANLEYW

MEMBER
2002 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
10,000 MILES

I have a problem with the rear brakes (shoes) driver side. They stick and I cann't remove the drum. What causes this problem. Replace the brakes about a year ago, had to hammer the drum off but could not see any thing that would have cause it to stick. Not frozen the shoes rub against the drum.

Thanks,
Stan

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi Stan:

What happens to the drum is the shoes wear the drum where they ride. However, where the shoes don't touch the drum doesn't wear creating a lip on the drum's surface. As the brakes adjust to accommodate the wear, they actually open up wider than the part of the drum that isn't touched. Thus, you can't pull it off. This video can help

https://youtu.be/UV0kfP17Co0

In this case, you need to open the adjuster window on the rear of the backing plate (rubber plug), and using a screwdriver or proper brake tool, loosten the brakes by spinning the self adjuster star in. That will cause the brake shoes to get smaller in diameter. Once you get it smaller than the ridge on the drum, it will come off.

I hope this helps,
Joe
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