On a 1997 escort, base model, how do I get the rear brake drum off. I removed the two screws and the drum would not come off. The drum spins freely. I sprayed the studs and center of drum with PB Blaster and banged the drum with a hammer. No lock. Is there something else I should be doing.

Thanks,
Harley

 

Most of the time we can't get a drum off , there are usually two reasons. The first is the drum is rusted and stuck to the hub. With the parking brake applied try rocking the vehicle back and forth in forward and reverse with the wheel lugs not tight. That usually will help break it loose.
The second reason could be there is a large rib on the drum and the brake shoes are preventing the rib from going past the shoes in which case the shoes should be backed off with the adjuster. There should be a slot over the top of the hub and backing plate to insert a screwdriver and back off the adjuster. If the adjuster is frozen just keep prying with a large screwdriver on alternate sides until you pry it off. This method may damage some brake hardware, but that hardware should be replaced anyway if you are doing any brake work. There are hardware and adjuster kits available at any auto supply store. The adjuster blades and star wheel wear and don't adjust after a while and should be replaced when any brake work is done. Do one wheel at a time and make sure to use the correct side adjuster and the correct color springs in the correct place.

 

Thanks Hanky. I really appreciate the info but nothing worked so this morning I went to Ford and spoke with a Service Adviser and a front end specialist. I was told that this drum is not like others. there is a center metal dust cap that must be removed and that will expose a large center nut with a locking ring. Both the nut and locking ring must be removed to take off the drum.

I hope this helps someone in the future.

 

Thank You for sharing that with us.