2003 Ford E-Series Van Checking rear brakes

2003 FORD E-SERIES VAN
50,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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THEOTEACHER
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HOw do I check to see if there is any life left to the rear shoes?
Aug 6, 2009 at 11:50 AM
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DOCFIXIT
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Pull wheel and drum and look 3/32 is min thickness
Aug 6, 2009 at 12:09 PM
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THEOTEACHER
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Wheel is off and drum is stuck n!
E brake is off. WD40 applied around logs and hub.
Drum moves slightly but won't come off!

Is there a trick to this or something I'm overlooking?

I've done this many times before on other cars ans vans but never on this one.

Thanks
Aug 6, 2009 at 12:23 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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Take a rubber mallet smite the outer edge of drum ie. thick boss area. at a 12 -3 -6-9 position. Back off on park brake adjustment. Does backing plate have a knock out plug for start adj?
Aug 6, 2009 at 12:30 PM
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THEOTEACHER
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Thanks for responding,
I've smacked the @#$* out of it at those positions! Still no movement.

Yes there are three or four plugs on the backing plate.
One in the middle top, I guess that's the brake adj screw. Then there is one on each side of the plate and one lower in the middle,below the axle.
Aug 6, 2009 at 12:41 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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Star adj will be at bottom the ones on side maybe inspection ports for lining. Is drum loose from axle? if yes shoes are holding it on. if not try some heat
Aug 6, 2009 at 12:50 PM
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THEOTEACHER
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Drum is loose so I will try to back off the shoes.
Out to the driveway and on to the ground!
Aug 6, 2009 at 12:56 PM
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THEOTEACHER
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Thanks for your help!!
I backed off the star and the drum came off!
After all that---- the shoes were fine on both sides.
They just needed to be adjusted closer via the star screw.

But I did find a nail in my tire so at least it was worth the effort.

Thanks again.
Aug 6, 2009 at 3:27 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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Great news machinery does like to mees with us humans.
Aug 6, 2009 at 3:36 PM
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