John Rodgers wrote:

> 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
>>
>
>