Pretty much what everyone has said. Don't be afraid to whack the drum. I
used a piece of 2x2 oak that I had laying around so I wasn't pounding
directly on the metal drum w/ a hammer. The first time I did this, I even
thought it would be a good idea to drive around the block to heat them up,
but to no avail. I just had the rear brakes off on my 1972 F-100 and I was
actually able to get those off easier than my van! Don't pry on the dust
shield, it bends very easily. Happy beating....

On 6/14/07, John Meeks <vanagon@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> On 6/14/07, Don Hanson <dhanson@gorge.net> wrote:
> > Hi,  "84 van, no power brakes, manual tranny"
>
> >   What I did  so far was to tap around the drums, which seemed to loosen
> up.
>
> Don~ First time I removed the rear drums from my 85, I would describe
> my tapping more as "pounding" using a rubber mallet. The drums
> eventually loosened. Don't be afraid to give it a good whacking :-)
>
> --
> John Meeks
>
> Vanagon Rescue Squad
> http://www.vanagonauts.com/Vanagon_Rescue_Squad74.htm
>
> '91 Multivan, '85 GL
> Top o' Northern Michigan
> KC8ZFN
>

--
Chris
88 Vanagon GL
02 Golf GLS TDI (SOLD, looking for a Westy, now that I know what I really
like to drive)