How to Remove a Brake Drum From a 1997 Mazda 626

The 1997 Mazda 626 was equipped with a 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder engine in the base model. An optional 2.5-liter V-6 was available for the 1997 626. Removal of the brake drums is usually performed when replacing or inspecting rear brakes. There are two different methods of removing and replacing the rear drums on a 1997 626. Replacing the rear drums or drum brakes creates greater stability throughout the entire braking system. It also allows for less wear on the front brakes, because the rear brakes are able to assist stopping at a greater capacity.

Instructions

1

Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts on the 626 with a tire iron, but do not remove them. Raise the rear of the 626 with a jack. Place jack stands beneath the are axle cross-member, about 6 inches inward from the rear tires. Lower the car onto the jack stands. Remove the rear wheel lug nuts, then remove the rear wheels.

2

Inspect the center hub of the rear drum. If a center cap covers the drum, remove it with a flathead screwdriver. Remove the crimp from the lock nut with a drift punch and hammer, then remove the lock nut with a ratchet and socket. If the center hub of the drum does not have a lock nut, remove the two Phillips screws from the face of the drum.

3

Remove the rear drum by hand. If the drum is stuck, push the locking lever stopper upward on the rear of the brake assembly. This will release the brake shoes from the brake drum. Remove the drum.

4

Measure the large opening on the inside of the brake drum. If the opening is larger than 9 15/16-inches, the brake drum needs to be replaced. Take measurements from different places across the brake drum opening. If the measurements are inconsistent, the drum should be replaced. If the drum is severely pitted or has deep scratches on the inner sides, the drum should be replaced.

5

Install the old or new brake drum onto the brake assembly. Install and tighten the center locking nut between 73 and 103 foot-pounds, using a 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench and socket. Crimp the lock nut when you are finished by driving the end of end of the lock nut into the groove in the rear spindle shaft with a drift punch and hammer, and install the center hub cap. If there is no center hub cap, install the two Philips screws and tighten them with a Phillips screwdriver.

6

Install the rear wheels onto the 626 and tighten the lug nuts snug with a tire iron. Raise the car off of the jack stands, then remove the stands from beneath the car. Lower the 626 to the ground. Tighten the rear wheel lug nuts to 85 foot-pounds, using a 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench and wheel nut socket.