2003 Eclipse RS Brake Drum Removal ??
 

Hi there, I want to change my read drum pads but am not sure how to release the drum.

After I remove the wheel how do I remove the drum ?

Looking at the online manual I cannot see anything that retains it.

Do I need to carefully knock them off or is there something else I need to do to release them ?

Thanks.

RE: 2003 Eclipse RS Brake Drum Removal ??
 

take a rubber mallet and hit it around the sides of the drum, be gentle but not too gentle. this should knock it loose after a bit. they just get corroded i guess and that along with the heat makes it stick

RE: 2003 Eclipse RS Brake Drum Removal ??
 

Thanks !!

A trip to the dollar store to buy a rubber mallet, a few taps and the drum is off !!

Any idea how to undo the main spring ?

Thanks in advance.

RE: 2003 Eclipse RS Brake Drum Removal ??
 

Drum brakes generally last a VERY VERY long time. Unless you're less than 2mm remaining, your shoes should still be good for a long while. Drum brakes uses very high tension return springs. Unless you have the tools AND the experience to do the job, i suggest you take it to someone qualified or have someone qualified guide you in person.

Joel, CA

RE: 2003 Eclipse RS Brake Drum Removal ??
 

Well, the drum pads look to have just as much pad material on them as the new pads. Therefore I didn't bother replacing them (especially as I could not get the spring off).

However, that still begs the question, what is the squeaking noise I hear when I gently apply the brakes at slow speeds ? The drums felt perfectly smooth inside with no pitting or scoring.

RE: 2003 Eclipse RS Brake Drum Removal ??
 

ya know, i had the same problem and the shoes didnt look warn at all, however i replaced them and they worked perfectly with no noixe, so idk, try it anyway... as for that spring problem, a simple pair of vice grips to grab it and get it off should work, thats what i did anyway

RE: 2003 Eclipse RS Brake Drum Removal ??
 

Thanks.

Actually, I think that just emptying the dust out of the drums got rid of the squeal !!