To remove and install the brake drum, first raise and safely support the vehicle, then remove the wheel and tire assembly. If equipped, discard the retainers from the wheel studs as they do not need to be reinstalled. Next, remove the brake drum; if it is difficult to remove, ensure the parking brake is released and back off the
Parking Brake Cable adjustment. For vehicles from 1990 to early 1992, remove the access hole plug from the backing plate, while for 1992-93 vehicles with a knockout slug in the drum, use a hammer and metal punch to bend in the backing plate knockout slug. Insert a suitable tool through the hole to push the parking brake lever off its stop, allowing the
Brake Shoes to retract slightly. Apply penetrating oil around the drum pilot hole and gently tap the outer rim of the drum with a rubber mallet, avoiding excessive force. After removing a drum with a metal knockout slug, use pliers or vise grips to remove the slug and install a rubber access hole plug to prevent contamination. Inspect the brake drum for cracks, scores, deep grooves, out-of-roundness, and taper, replacing any cracked drum as it is unsafe. Light scoring not exceeding 1/16 in. (1.5mm) is acceptable, but heavy scoring may require machining. If the brake shoes are slightly worn and the drum is grooved, polish the drum with fine emery cloth instead of machining. However, if replacing the brake shoes, a grooved drum must be machined to ensure proper performance. An out-of-round or tapered drum can lead to inaccurate brake shoe adjustment and excessive wear on other brake parts, as well as irregular tire tread wear and a pulsating brake pedal. Measure the inside diameter of the drum at several points using an inside micrometer to check for out-of-roundness and taper, and machine the drum as necessary while adhering to the maximum machine diameter specification. To install, adjust the brake shoes and reinstall the brake drum, followed by the wheel and tire assembly, and lower the vehicle.