Brake drums

Tiny
MARKFRAN
  • MEMBER
  • FORD FOCUS
2002 ford focus. I am having trouble getting the drums off. After banging on them someone told me the auto maker has bolted these drums on( for Focus 2002 and over). I never heard of that. Are the bolts in the back and do I need a special tool?
Sunday, March 26th, 2006 AT 8:16 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
PEPPERMRJ
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,158 POSTS
For a 2002 Ford Focus, the rear drum brakes should not be bolted on from the factory. Instead, they're held in place by the wheel and lug nuts, as well as possibly by rust and accumulated debris if they haven't been removed in a long time.

If you're having trouble removing the drum, here are some steps you can take:

Ensure the Parking Brake is Off: The first step to removing the drum is to ensure that the parking brake is off. If it's engaged, it can hold the drum in place, making it difficult to remove.

Loosen the Adjuster: If the brake shoes have worn a deep groove into the drum, you may need to loosen the adjuster to retract the brake shoes a bit. There should be an access hole on the back of the backing plate for this purpose. You might need a brake spoon or a flat-head screwdriver to turn the adjuster.

Use a Rubber Mallet: If the drum is stuck because of rust or debris, using a rubber mallet to tap around the edges of the drum can help break it loose. Avoid using a metal hammer, as it can damage the drum.

Use Penetrating Oil: If the drum is still stuck, you can use penetrating oil to help loosen any rust or debris. Spray the oil around the hub and the edge of the drum, then let it sit for a few minutes before trying to remove the drum again.

Use the Bolt Holes: Some drums have threaded bolt holes that you can use to push the drum off. You'll need to find bolts that match the thread size (usually M8 or M10), then screw them into the holes evenly. As you tighten the bolts, they should push the drum off.

Here is a guide that will help.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-remove-stuck-brake-drums-a-comprehensive-guide

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Monday, March 15th, 2021 AT 7:42 PM

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