How to remove a stubborn brake drum. Watch how to remove a brake drum that is stuck on. I go through the steps so anyone can remove their drum brake.
In this case the drum adjuster was stuck so first try to get it off by wiggling back and forth. Then spray penetrating oil to remove rust between the drum and the seat. Then hit it with a hammer hard. This should free the drum if it is just rusted on. If the drum doesn't come off, then your brakes are probably stuck open preventing the drum from coming off. If this is the case, cut or drill out the holding pins from the back (that hold the shoes in place) and remove the screws to the brake cylinder and then pull the drum off.
Drum Brake Replacement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ_UXP6GWkw
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11 thoughts on “How to remove a stuck drum brake”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Wanda James says:

    I'm a former Class A Honda tech and have dealt with lots of these. You can cheat sometimes with the adjuster wheel by prying down on it to free the little cogged wheel from the cog gear and then wheel it backwards. Doesn't always work. But just because the drum rotates doesn't mean the brake SHOES (not pads) aren't seized against the drum as you can see they are here. You need a large ballpeen hammer and you need to wail on the sides of the drum as hard as you dare (you'll get a sense of how fragile they are, start with less force) – after you spray about 10 times more WD40 between the backing plate and the drum and apply heat– but on the sides of the drum not the front. We worked under pressure and could not take hours on one brake job. I always got them off one way or the other, but you can't be as delicate with them as shown here– you have to 'shock' them apart. This however, shows the importance of lots of anti-seize compound and thorough cleaning at every brake job. So many of these Youtube videos are done by untrained people– there's a reason it takes 4 years to get your Class A license.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dirkmez says:

    Sometimes I yell "By the power of Greyskull!" and it comes loose.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ballhawk387 says:

    At last a video on this that is realistic! One thing that can really help is using the penetrating lubricant well ahead of time, like days. When using a hammer, I also use a wood block or stick on top of the part I'm banging to prevent damage if I'm not replacing the part.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gabriel Joseph Jr says:

    this is why i’m contemplating getting disc brake kits for my car😭

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jeremy knox says:

    let just start off by saying you are my favorite DYI guy on you tube. i have followed alot of your videos in all my car repairs, details paint and etc. Just got my rear drums off thanks to your video. i had the same issue and used a pry tool to get those stubborn drums off

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Reda says:

    I like the persistence.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars skylane807 says:

    9 years later…. lol
    This brings back bad memories.
    Brake shoes wore into the drums creating a lip.
    I'm pretty sure I have the same problem again.
    I'm thinking of taking a die grinder/cutting wheel to the drum…
    pfffffft….

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars lothar schiese says:

    Well done, drill then undo the cylinder bolts. What size drill bit would be helpful to mention.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J W says:

    Good deal Chris. Sorry you had such a brutal time. But you didn't let it defeat you. I'm at the propane torch level too.
    I've had to use the torch on 2 front guide pins on the calipers and one drum the shoes fell apart and now have to get this
    last drum off. It's great you showed several ways of removing them. Thank you for the upload. 👍

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike says:

    5 days later….

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The World says:

    It's those brake shoes the culprit, drum brakes are notoriously stubborn to open sometimes

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