I have a 1999 F150 Xl long bed reg. cab with 62,000. With winter coming up, I thought it would be a good idea to replace the rear brake shoes. I already replaced the front brake pads on the truck at about 50,000 miles. I know a little about some car repairs and I thought the replacing of the rear brake shoes would be easy enough, but can you believe I could only accomplish getting the tire rims off. I could not get the brake drums off! I backed off the adjustment nut through the small slot in the back of the wheel assembly and the drums are as tight as can be. Zero play, wobble,gap,wiggle, anything. I am overlooking something. Also, does this brake drum still have the cut out hole in the center to fit over the wheel hub? I would swear in looking at the center of the brake drum, the hub in the center and the brake drum are welded together! I would appreciate any tips on how to get the brake drums off and replacing the brake shoes. Thank you.

 

Especally in your area the drum can rust itself to the axle ( hub) you will prob. have to use some sort of penetrating oil in the grove between the drum and the axle. spray a little where the two should come apart. let it sit sometime( 15 - 20 Mins. would not be too long) then hit the top of the drum with a hammer. move around the circumfrence until the drum comes loose.

 

Use a propane torch to heat the drum around the hub until you hear a pop then pull it off.

 

The drums would be rusted to the axle (unless of course you have the parking brake on).

Honestly, I don't think you need to worry about rear brake shoe wear. I have 86,000 miles on my 1997 4x2 and the shoes still have plenty of life left. I thought about replacing them anyway, but it looked just too complicated to perform this job prematurely.

 

 

Dude,
I just went through the same thing. I thought my drums were rusted on more than anyone could understand. The solution is simple - just tap the drum with a regular hammer as close to center as you can (between the studs) and work your way around. After tapping around for 3 or 4 minutes it will eventually loosen. It's the constant vibration that will loosen it, not the big whacks.