Using a screwdriver or pry bar to remove the drums will bend the backing
plate. A bent backing plate will affect the mounting of the shoes
causing them to hit the drum unevenly. It is better to remove the drum
with the flange if needed. Usually, striking the drum with a hammer on
the face at the outer edge will pop it off the flange.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Bob Stevens
Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2004 5:13 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Stuck brakedrum

After removing the two bolts from the face of the drum, adjusting the
adjuster wheel from the back-side of the drum assembly all the way in so
the
drum turns without an contact with the brake shoes, I stuck a standard
(large) screwdriver blade between the drum and the back/dust plate and
while
prying I hit the drum around its diameter fairly hard with a hammer and
it
actually popped right off into my lap.

Bob