Removing Front drums on 66 Satellite....

[eciessau]

Hello, I am new here and am working on a 66 Satellite. I am trying to remove the front drums. Is there some trick to doing so? I have been looking for a diagram of the brakes but cant seem to find one. I know I need to adjust the star down, but I am having trouble doing so. Can anyone give me some pointers?? Thanks so much.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

If you cannot remove the drums only because the shoes are too tight or there is a ridge on the drum,use a very small screwdriver or pick to push the bracket off the star wheel so you can reverse spin the adjuster untill the drum comes off.I am assuming you have removed the wheel bearing.I am not shore if your drum simply come off the hub or it's a 1 piece:happy11:

 

[greenmonsta79]

Take the spindle nut off and take a hammer and tap the drum around the outside (best to thread the nuts back on so you don't bugger up the threads if you miss!!) most of the time the drum is difficult to come off between the brake dust, try to loosen the adjuster, a tip is to spray some brake cleaner through the adjuster hole in the back before you try to loosen that way it will clean all the crud and built up brake dust on the adjuster. It's best to give it a few taps with a hammer on the back side of the drum to finally get it off, don't pound it just give it some taps. Hope this helps.

 

[YY1]

That adjuster is the key. it's a royal pain to turn, plus you have to get the spring loaded auto-adjuster out of the way. It's almost impossible to see, you are in an awkward position, and the movements are subtle, plus it's difficult to know if you are really turning the star wheel. Be very patient, and listen for noises that indicate you have contacted and moved things inside the drum. After you think you have enough turns on the star wheel, turn about 25 more times. Then try to pull the drum off while turning the bottom of the drum towards the rear of the car. If it moves away from the backing plate but doesn't come free, wiggle a bit, but if that doesn't get you anywhere, put it back and put some more turns on the star wheel.

My 5th Ave rears took what seemed like 150 turns (albeit at about 1/5 of a turn at a time), and had a ridge about 5/16-3/8 on the drum. YIKES. ...and that's "only" a 25 year old car. The 66 was actually MUCH easier. I also learned that the 7 1/4 brake shoes will work on the 8 3/4 if you use the E brake finger from the 7 1/4.

 

[YY1]

Be sure to turn the star wheel the correct way (which you can only do while holding the self adjuster out of the way). I believe the correct way is up in the back.

 

[john w smith]

just done that. you have to pull hub and all then knock the studs out to seperate the hub from the drum.

 

[mopar 3 B]

Leave the drum on the hub and service as an assembly unless the drum is worn beyond use.