Brake Drum Help Needed!!!

[DasUberKraut]

So I was finishing a rear brake shoe and cable swap. The cable swape went quick and easy. Took maybe 3 minutes tops. Tore down the rear brakes and put new shoes in after cleaning up everything the best I could and greasing the pivot point and cam. Went to put the drum and it won't go. So I tried squeezing the shoes down and shoving the drum on. No dice. Came inside to see what's up and find out there's a ring on the drum that has to come off so it can slide over the shoes. I didn't know this because my ring is so rusted that it looks like it's part of the drum. I absolutely cannot get this ring out. I've torched it. Soaked it in several penetrants. Pounded on it with a big hammer and screwdriver. The ONLY progress I have made is that I did find the edge with a razor blade and scored it most of the way around.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/Duggalo/BrakeDrum.jpg

So my question is this. Does a brake drum from an 82 185s fit an 84 125m? I have a complete rear axle assembly I was saving to make a trailer with. I don't want to pull it apart if I can't use the drum though.

Also, I've read that alot of people don't install the ring again as it's a major PIA. Is it ok to run it with out the retainer ring? Will the shoes stay put or will the move to much?

Thanks in advance. :beer

[dougspcs]

Exact same issue with the after market shoes on my 83 ATC185..it's not the drum or any other part of your brakes. Even contacted the vendor to see if the wrong part was shipped to me.

Ended up taking the shoes outside and wearing them down on some smooth concrete to take some brake material off..it was just too thick.

[DasUberKraut]

No kidding? Guess I'll sit with some sandpaper and slowly work the pads down til the drum slides over. I still have to sand the inside drum surface too.

This Doug thanks you Doug. :beer

[shortline10]

I run into this allot . The ring gets a build up of crap over time and expands a little not letting the new shoes go on , the ring needs to be removed and clean out the grove and reinstalled . Aftermarket shoes dont fit very well and need some filing on the cam pads also .

[dougspcs]

I run into this allot . The ring gets a build up of crap over time and expands a little not letting the new shoes go on , the ring needs to be removed and clean out the grove and reinstalled . Aftermarket shoes dont fit very well and need some filing on the cam pads also .

Did all that on mine..cleaned and lube the lobe and stationary peg, cleaned the lip on the drum and scuffed the surface with emery cloth. Still had to remove about 1/3 of the shoe material to make the drum fit on.

Not just a little bit the wrong size from rust buildup and such..WAY wrong!

[atc007]

Also been here 1000 times. I clean everything up as said above,,Then pull up on the new shoes,,AS your starting the drum down on..See what I mean?! Can't really explain it! You will have to pound the drum on,,but once it reaches the WORN part of the drum,,everything falls right into place,,and you still have your New shoes! Hope it works for you!

[DasUberKraut]

Made a little progress I guess. I sanded the pads a bit. Gave them a beveled edge and now I can get the drum on about 1/4". Next time I get a chance to tinker I'll file the cam pads.

[Vealmonkey]

Heat your drum up in the over at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or so and it should expand it enough to slip over. Don't forget to grease your axle splines up though. Be careful sliding the hot hub onto the grease splines.

[CRAZY70MAN]

[QUOTE=Vealmonkey;1092584]Heat your drum up in the over at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or so and it should expand it enough to slip over. Don't forget to grease your axle splines up though. Be careful sliding the hot hub onto the grease splines.[/QUOTE I will have to try that next time veal....sounds like a bettter way than taking life off the shoes like I had to on my 70 pads. They gave me the exact same problem a few times. Great advice.

[DasUberKraut]

I don't think my torch kit could do that. LOL. I just have the Bernzomatic two hose set for oxy - mapp torching. I think 15 mins running that will cost about $30.

Loving all the great tips guys...

After reading Veal's post again, I realize he meant oven. That may be the ticket. That won't scorch the new shoes will it? Or burn up the grease on the contact points? Those would be my only concern. I am using high temp automotive brake grease though now that I think about it.