2001 GMC Safari Backing off adjuster to allow drum removal.

CARL GARNTO

MEMBER
2001 GMC SAFARI
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
115,678 MILES

These rear brakes have never been replaced and as I just rep;aced the front pads I decided to replace the rear as well. The knockouts were still in the backing plates. After knocking them out, I started turning the adjuster, but apparently moving the shoes out onto the drums and went to far, for when I tried to reverse the direction I couldn't get the adjuster to turn in the opposite direction. The tangs on the adjusters are so small it is hard to get the brake spoon to stay behind it with enough pressure to rotate it. Can I use a blunt tool and tap on the bottom most tang and see if I can get it to move that way or do you have a different method to try?

2 Replies

BLACKOP555

MECHANIC
10,371 POSTS

The reason you cant get it to hold on is there is a tab in there that has to be pushed, it prevents the star wheel from loosening only allowing it to tighten because they are automatic adjusted.

Simply push on the tab and then move the starwheel.

To get a hang of this, take off the other side. I would suggest taking off the wheel bearing and assembly that is the way I find to be the easiest as the drums are hard to get off.

If all else fails and you cannot loosen the one, take off the wheel bearing nut and pull off the drum.