Suburban 3/4 Ton 4WD V8-305 5.0L (1986)
Brake Drum: Fundamentals and Basics
Notes, Warnings, and Hints
DRUM REMOVAL
The drum should just slide off however it will often bind or stick for the following reasons:
Excessive Grooves or Scoring - The interlocking grooves prevent the drum from sliding off.
Uneven Wear - Uneven wear across the surface of the shoe creates a wedge which prevents the drum from sliding off.
Lip or Edge - Commonly there will be a lip worn at the edge of the drum where the shoe to drum contact stops.
NOTE: If both drums are stuck tightly, verify the parking brake is released.
To remove a drum which is stuck you should retract the shoes by backing off the automatic adjuster.
If the drum still will not slide off there may be corrosion between the drum and hub. A few sharp blows from a mallet or hammer along the front
flat surface of the drum will usually free the drum.
CAUTION: Prying off a stuck drum with a puller or pry bar can damage the springs or hardware. Always attempt to withdraw the shoes with the
automatic adjuster first.
Once the drum is removed a layer of brake dust will remain in the bottom of the drum. This dust should be thoroughly soaked with water or brake
cleaner and then removed from the drum.
WARNING: Inhaling brake dust is extremely hazardous to your health.
DRUM INSTALLATION
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Prior to installing the drum verify the automatic adjuster operates properly and that the tools you are intending to use to adjust the brakes will be
able to reach the adjuster.
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With the drum off, practice operating the adjuster through the access hole in the backing-plate. This will make adjusting the brakes much easier
once the drum is installed.
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Ensure the shoes/linings are centered on the backing-plate (top to bottom and side to side). The drum will be very difficult to slide on if the
shoes/linings are not centered.
