OK, so searching the forums I have so far found the following reccomendations for removing stuck drums:

1. Heat
2. Penetrating oil
3. Lots of hammering (preferably with a BFH)
4. backing off the star wheel so the shoes clear the lip
5. drinking a beer
6. unloading a 9mm into the rear end

Any other suggestions before I proceed to **** off the guy next door who works nights? (see #3)

...or do I even need to check the shoes yet? My 97 4x2 4.2L M5OD has 61K miles on it. The only thing that really concerns me is the moron who owned it before me (my wife's ex-husband, so I crusade to prove his stupidity every chance I get) extensively towed a 28 foot starcraft with it. Between the V6, 3.08 rear end, Mazda 5 speed, and the 1700 lb tow rating, I'm almost anticipating self-destruction at any time due to this rediculous abuse....

 

stuck drums are easier then stuck rotors. you might need to buy a star wheel adjusting tool to make things easier. stick a small screw driver in the adjuster hole on the backing plate (where the black rubber plug is) then turn the adjuster with the tool while pushing on the self adjuster. once you turn them down alittle they will clear the rust ridge. but try a couple whacks with the bfh lots of times they will pop far enough off to pry them free but be carefull not to bend the backing plate or the hub area.

 

forget the brakes...sounds like a good country music song

 

On my dads drums, I just used a little propane torch (the $10 kind) and applied heat both to the axle assembly where it connects and to the drum, for about 5 minutes, a few taps with a rubber mallet and off they came! That was after about 30 minutes of pulling, banging, etc.

 

Mine were stuck on also. I tryed everything and nothing happened. I was trying to check them as I have a squeak that is driving me nuts!!

Took to a friend who does brakes for Midas and he took hammer and right on the front of the drum between the studs, he hammered the crap out of it fast!!! like about 10 to 15 wacks and the thing sprung like a spring!!

I said I thought you were going to show me something special?? He said I did!


Good Luck!!

 

ROTFLMAO!!!

Well, I just got done doing an extensive front job and I want to make sure my rears are up to snuff. I've been told my rear wheel cylinders are leaking...(which may be possible since I dip the rear in the water a lot as a jetskier).......but I don't see anything coming out the bottom of the rotor/backing plate, so I'm not positive as to this. But, I figure I'll take it to a different shop than told me 'cuz I just don't wanna jerk around with the back brakes & this'll prove whether or not they're pullin' my chain.

Them springs & such are tough and if the drum is seized on or adjusters or anything else, I'd just as soon leave it to a shop & save myself the the rest of the above numbered list......

5.) drink beer (ok, I'll do this one anyway...lol)
6.) Empty a 9mm into the rear end.....(I'm afraid I might do this after the fun I had today....har har)!
I know I could do it, it's just that as I get older, I remember what I've learned.....(all those times I said to myself, I'm NEVER friggin' doin' this Sh*t again!!) LOL!!!!!!