Can't get my rear drums off! '55 Caddy

OK, I've searched and haven't had any luck...

Here's where I'm at; I've turned the star adjustment to release the shoes, sprayed pb blaster on each stud and the hub. I must be doing something wrong because there's give eveywhere on the drum except were the two bolts are on the drum (I'm assumeing they're for the E-brakes but I don't really know).

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jerry

 

Anyone... bueller

 

there are two bolts on the wheel surface of drum?

 

Are they 2 small bolts or screws opposite each other on each side of the center hole? If so, those hold the drum to the axle flange it it is the same as some other GM stuff.

 

Take the bolts out.

 

That's what I was thinking too, but I wasn't sure and didn't want to screw something up. I have done that on occasion

 

Yep! across each side of the hub.

 

Before I screw them up, it's on the drivers side so I'm assuming they're reverse thread?

 

Probably not those. Just don't turn them too hard. If they don't go one way with reasonable pressure, try the other way. They are probably not like the lug nuts with the left hand thread on that side. It has been a long time since I have had one of those.

 

I wouldnt think theyd be reverse. But if they are and you strip them it will be easy to use a drill to get them out.

 

Thanks for the help fellas! new shoes are on and the wheel cylenders were still good.

Now about about sme tips on how to adjust the e-brake. Every time I drive the car the e-brake handle raises about an inch and I have no idea what would cause this. Any ideas?

Thanks again hambers,
Jerry

 

Viagra in the fuel?

 

Could be...I have heard of this problem before....

 

Unless you know how old, or new, the rubber parts are in the cylinders, I would not trust them.

The emergency brake, by itself, is not adjustable except for cable length unless Cad has some weird setup, which I doubt. Have you adjusted the shoes out so that they just barely touch the drums?? As far as I know 55 didn't have self adjusters. It sounds like the shoes are rotating with the drum too much and yanking on the cable.

 

if its like the hearses back then--A big badass puller is needed.

 

Yeah, I'll definetly replace them but not today. I'll order some on monday, shouldn't be too long after that.

No self adjusters on the '55. Never thought of that but could very well be. I'll put it back together and see if just adjusting the shoes will solve the problem.

I'm getting real familiar with this brake system. I think I've put it together and tore it apart just to adjust everything so far, twice.... haha no better way to learn than hands on.

 

The adjustment is the toothed wheel on the spreader at the bottom of the shoes. Make sure that turns. You may need to free up the parts. You turn that wheel with a screwdriver through a hole in the backing plate or in the drum. Leave the drum on while you expand the shoes till they drag slightly on the drum.