Tried to pull a rear drum the other day just to check things out but I could not pop it loose. Yes the hand brake was off. Did not see any tapped holes often found in rotors etc. used with a bolt to pop 'em off. Tried a couple good whacks too.....
Drum challanged........ 2001 2WD
Ideas ?
thx

 

more whacks... mine take a while

 

BFH and go to town.

many many threads on this.

 

On the other side of a drum, you will see two rubber plugs. Take off the top one, which is shaped like a hot dog.

Using two flat head screwdrivers (its a pain in the ass), hold one against the adjusting lever, pushing it up, off the adjusting wheel (with teeth like a gear).

Then turn the toothed wheel downwards, this will loosen the shoes and pull them off the drum.

Of course, this is your last case senerio. If the hammer method does not work, do this.

 

There are two threaded holes on each drum. Are you sure you didn't miss them?

 

when one hammer doesnt work, get a bigger one

 

The drums are locked on by a lip or wear groove in the drum surface where the brake shoes ride.

Getting them off is the first challenge so try and push the lock lever through the access hole in the backing plate and un-adjust the rear shoes by spinning the star wheel.

Get a grinder with a small wheel and grind down the inside lip of the drums.
You can also have them turned and resurfaced which will do the same thing.
Apply a little white lube or grease to the axle lip where the drim slides on for
easier removal especially if your in a moist climate and surface rust dominates.

Been there....done that and you'll breath easy every time you check your brakes.
3rd gen Runners have a tendency to blow rear axle seals and soak the shoes so check them on a regular basis.
The breather on the rear axle gets clogged or water gets in there and the seals just go........
My STEEL seal rings were actually deformed when I did mine.
Can't explain how........but thats some strong stuff to deform.
Hope this helps.Kenny S

 

Thanks sharrack,
Sounds like all the slam bamming is'nt a great idea...........

 

When in doubt...use a bigger hammer

 

What he said.

Once you get the shoes backed off just a bit with the adjuster, the drum should come off. I have always had to use this method.

You can go to a place like AutoZone and buy a cheap tool just for adjusting the brakes. Unlike a screwdriver, it is angled and easier to use. Only cost a few bucks and well worth it IMO.