How to Remove a Brake Drum From a GMC Safari

Removing the rear brake drums from your GMC Safari van will allow you to access the rear brake components. If you are planning a brake job, the front and rear brakes should be inspected prior to starting the work. The rear shoes are located within the rear brake drums, and removing the drums is very simple. The brake drums can be replaced if they are worn or damaged, and new ones can be purchased from any auto parts store or the GMC dealership parts department.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels of the Safari but do not remove them yet. Position a jack under the rear of the van and raise it until the tires are off the ground.

2

Position a set of jack stands under the frame of the van to support the vehicle while you work under it. Be sure you are on flat ground so that the van cannot move or the stands may fall over while you are under it.

3

Remove the lug nuts and pull the tires off the van. Pull out on the brake drum, attempting to pull it off the van. If it does not slide off, you may need to help it along.

4

Locate the adjusting hole on the brake backing plate from the rear of the brake drum. Insert a flat screwdriver into the hole and move the adjuster up or down until the brake shoes loosen their grip on the drum.

5

Tap on the edges of the drum with a rubber mallet, pushing the drum off the shoes. Once loose, move around to the front of the drum and pull it off the brake shoes.