Well, surprise, surprise!!!

I just tapped off the first drum. Once I started tapping round and
round, sort of bumping it towards the ends of the studs, it popped right
off......without having to back off the shoes.

And another surprise. The drums were smooth, and there was at least half
of the lining still on the shoes!!! No brake change here!!

I put the whole she-bang back together and called it good.

What prompted all this was a clacking when stopping, plus the fact I've
had the van since '97 and never touched those rear brakes. Sometimes
when I pump the brakes, I get that clacking, even when standing still.
So I figured, well, must be time. Not so, apparently. Still don't know
what the clacking was. Certainly not the CV's, as all four of them are new!!

Well, I guess the old saw about something having to get worse before you
can fix it holds true this time. Oh, Well!!

Yep! Tomorrow is another day! Time to replace the front brake
pads.........! BTDT.....so this time I know what I am doing.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

John Rodgers wrote:

> Time to replace rear brakes on the ol' 88 GL. This is my first time to
> do this myself.
>
> So far ....
>
>
> Wheels chocked.
> Van up on jack stands.
> Wheels off
> Removed bolt retaining drum to hub.
> Tapped drum all the way around with 3 pound hammer. Saw the drum move
> slghtly towards the ends of the studs.
>
> Now what?? I know I must back off the brake adjuster, but I cannot see
> or feel anything inside the drum through the adjustment hole. Is there a
> some special tool of a special shape that I need to fit into the drum
> and reach the right spot?? My little screwdriver just doesn't do a thing.
>
> For that matter, what are all the tools that would be recommended for
> doing the brake job?
>
> Also, is it absolutely necessary to disconnect the parking brake
> equilizerto change the brakes. I have been under this thing so much
> lately that I just hate  doing it again! Really has my bursitis acting
> up.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Regards,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
> Chelsea, AL
>