i have a 2001 4runner sr5 4wd and i need to take the rear drum off to check the brake. my problem is i am having a tough time taking off the drum. can someone give me some directions on how to take it off. i dont use the e brake and its an automatic.

 

look at the drum face to see if it has "phillips head" retaining screws, (some vehicles are equipped this way) if so remove the drum retaining screws, then carefully tap on the drum with a hammer, (to loosen any rust or corrosion that may be keeping the drum from coming off by being frozen to the axle flange or other) be careful not to "breathe" in any of the dust cloud you may see coming out from the drum, slid the drum off the axle/lug studs carefully, some hammer or muscle persuasion may be required. if it takes a herculean effort to remove the drum, the shoes may be adjusted "too tight" and the brake shoe adjuster/slack adjuster must be loosened via the "star wheel" or other type of adjuster(consult your manual) to loosen/reduce the drum to shoe clearance for removal,......always consult a good manual, and or at least looka a parts breakdown at your neighborhood parts store for reference before begining any work......hope this helps.

 

thanksyou exrangersarge,this weekend i will open it and see again

 

hi
i have open the brake drum,and see no crew from the drum still can not open the drum to check for brake shoe can any body help me please

 

hi there
finaly i got it out with w40 the drum was rust and stuck together