1990 Subaru Loyale Wagon 4WD. My back left brake drum split open, so that the wheel spins freely. How can I get the drum completely off so that I can replace it and the shoes? P.S.-I'm lucky the wheel didn't come off while driving.

~K

The correct tool is a brake drum puller. Your local parts store may have one they lend to customers. A large gear puller will work too.

Your "good" drum may be turnable, but you'll have to replace the one that's cracked. Besides brand new brake shoes, I would also reccommend the hardware kit (less than $10 per side) which includes fresh springs.

good luck, John

If it were me, I'd replace the drums with disc brakes. You should be able to get all the parts you need at a JY for less than $100 (backing plate, hub, rotor, caliper & pads, and brake lines). Even if you have to buy new rotors and pads instead of JY rotors & pads, it shouldn't cost you over $150.

 

I've done it to both of my EA82's and few for friends and it's about the easiest bolt on conversion I've ever done. It's just so easy to replace disc brake pads compared to brake shoes that that alone makes it worth while, let alone the increased stopping power you have.

 

If it were me.

If it were me, I'd replace the drums with disc brakes. You should be able to get all the parts you need at a JY for less than $100 (backing plate, hub, rotor, caliper & pads, and brake lines). Even if you have to buy new rotors and pads instead of JY rotors & pads, it shouldn't cost you over $150.

 

I've done it to both of my EA82's and few for friends and it's about the easiest bolt on conversion I've ever done. It's just so easy to replace disc brake pads compared to brake shoes that that alone makes it worth while, let alone the increased stopping power you have.

 

If it were me.

Hi, can you please give more info on what company you are talking about?  JY?  I have been googling looking for jy brake , rotor, conversion, etc.  Can you put a link?

   Got a quote today to do back brake shoes at big name shock /tire store, they wanted 620 bucks for the back brakes!!!!  (93 loyale 4wd wagon)  the shoes are ten bucks for the rear wheel set on ebay,   they said drums gotta be replaced, which they wanted to charge a lot for for the part, etc.    Your idea sounds good, disc brakes way easier to deal with,  thanks,  Nate

Edited August 6, 201312 yr by seattlecharger

Junk yard   (jy)

schwab and places like them will replace everything or nothing, and sometimes will make you buy new tires cause they wont put worn ones back on.  do it yourself or go to a real mechanic/brake place.  personally I wont get work done from tire stores, just get tires there.  they don't hire mechanics, they hire laborers.

Hi, can you please give more info on what company you are talking about?  JY?  I have been googling looking for jy brake , rotor, conversion, etc.  Can you put a link?

   Got a quote today to do back brake shoes at big name shock /tire store, they wanted 620 bucks for the back brakes!!!!  (93 loyale 4wd wagon)  the shoes are ten bucks for the rear wheel set on ebay,   they said drums gotta be replaced, which they wanted to charge a lot for for the part, etc.    Your idea sounds good, disc brakes way easier to deal with,  thanks,  Nate

There is a good chance your drums are still useable. They may need turning, but in 40 years of doing my own breaks I've never yet had a drum that I could not put back on the vehicle and re-use. Some were not very pretty, but they work.  Good luck.

Drums usually outlast the front brakes over 2 times or more. Drums are turnable if they are not worn beyond limit. Find a shop with an old timer and a brake lathe.

There is a tiny rubber plug in the backing plate.  remove it and stick a skinny screwdriver straight in to release the cam that holds the self adjuster.

 

of course also the axle nut needs to be removed too.