How to Replace Drums on a 1991 Jeep Wrangler

The drums on the rear brakes of the 1991 Jeep Wrangler (also produced as the the YJ Wrangler from 1987 through 1995) may have two different types of connecting applications. While the procedure to remove the drums is quite similar, there is one major difference to be aware of. Removing the drums is necessary to inspect and/or replace the rear brake shoes or the rear wheel brake cylinders. Disassembling the rear brake drums is also required if you are replacing the rear axle seals.

Instructions

1

Place a wheel chock in front of one the front tires of the 1991 Jeep Wrangler after it's parked on a flat, paved surface. Do not apply the parking brake, or the rear shoes will contact the rear drums and prevent the drums from being removed. Make sure the Wrangler is in park or in first gear.

2

Raise the rear quarters of the Wrangler one at a time with a jack. Place a jack stand under each side of the rear axle.

3

Remove the lug nuts and the rear wheels.

4

Spray penetrating oil around the rear lug studs and the center hub mating surface to the drum. Also spray oil on the three retaining screws, if applicable. Wait several minutes to allow the oil to penetrate.

5

Inspect the studs of the Wrangler to determine if the drum is held on by small retaining rings, if applicable. If so, use a pair of channel locks or cutting dikes to remove and discard the rings. They are not needed for removing and replacing the drums. They hold the drum in place.

6

Remove the three retaining screws from the hub facing of the drum, if applicable, using the impact screwdriver, a Phillips-head bit and the hammer. Place the bit and driver in the head of the screw, turn the impact driver counterclockwise and strike the head of the driver with the hammer. Repeat for each screw.

7

Strike the hub facing of the drum to break it loose from the hub connection. Try to pull the drum off. If the drum is stuck on the shoes from a rust ridge, proceed to Step 8.

8

Remove the small, black rubber plug at the bottom of the backing plate behind the drum. Insert the small, thin-bladed screwdriver into the port the plug was removed from and locate the starwheel adjuster retaining clip. Depress the clip inward through the port and use the brake adjusting tool/spoon to de-adjust the brake shoes inward away from the shoes. Turn the cogs of the starwheel downward with the tool/spoon a few turns. Attempt to remove the drum again. Continue this procedure until the drum comes off the rear brake shoe assembly.

9

Spray the inside and the outside of the replacement drums with brake/parts cleaner spray. Wipe the spray off with a shop rag.

10

Install the drums onto the rear brake shoe assembly. Adjust the brake shoe outward using the small thin-bladed screwdriver and brake adjusting tool/spoon. Turn the wheel upward to extend the shoes outward until there is a slight drag on the rear wheel when rotating the drum clockwise.

11

Replace the wheels and lug nuts. Tighten the nuts in a star pattern snug to the hubs using the lug wrench.

12

Raise the Wrangler above the jack stands. Remove the stands and lower the vehicle to the ground. Retighten the lug nuts with the torque ratchet and the 3/4-inch socket, again using a star pattern.