1998 Nissan Altima Rear Drum Stuck

1998 NISSAN ALTIMA
Avatar
CHICKENKICKER77
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
i need to replace the brake shoes on the rear of my car, however i cant remove the drum, it is knocked free of rust and im told that the shoes will wear into the drum holding it in place. i was also told that there is an adjuster to back the shoes off... i have spent some time trying to locate the adjuster....there doesnt seem to be a wheel with teeth like anyone has described to me that there should be. can you tell me exactly where the adjuster is and exactly what it looks like?
Feb 7, 2006 at 3:58 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
FISHERMAN
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 937 POSTS
Hi!
The adjuster its on the inside plate you will find an a rubber plug take that out and you will find an a oblicual and about 2" long hole, its hard to se it but you can insert a couple of small screwdrivers (flat) with one of them raise the lock (its kind of tricky, but its not that hard) and then with the anotherone move the wheel First up and if the drum get stuck turn it down and viceversa for the another side.

Sometimes the hole its on the drum, be aware of that.

Hope it helps!

Manuel.
Mar 19, 2021 at 3:58 AM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Suggested Repair

Remove the rubber plug on the backing plate, or use the access hole if it is in the drum, to reach an oblong opening about 2 inches long. Use two small flat screwdrivers: lift the adjuster lock with one and turn the star wheel with the other to retract the shoes. If the drum tightens, turn the wheel the other way, then repeat on the opposite side and remove the drum.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Nissan Altima could not remove a rear brake drum to replace the shoes and could not find the toothed adjuster. An expert said the adjuster is reached through a rubber plug on the backing plate, or sometimes a hole in the drum, using two flat screwdrivers to release the lock and turn the star wheel so the shoes retract.

Related Repair Questions

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle