Drum brakes

[kiers117]

I have a Suzuki Escudo 91 and the drum was very hard to remove from the axle. (The handbrake wasn't on) when I put the drum back on again it was very hard and needed some hammering. Is this normal?

now spinning the wheel I get about 80% of freewheel until it gets very hard to turn the wheel and then frees up again.

Any ideas? Thanks

[BlakeJ]

adjust it so its not so tight?, might be a jamming slave cylinder maybe

[Mr Revhead]

Yes, get some who knows what they are doing to help you, or take it to a mechanic. I'm all for having a go, but brakes are not something you should learn about via trial and error.

Tight sections could indicate an oval drum or high spots.
Hard to remove and put back on could be adjusted to tight or a lip in the drum.
Why did you look at the brakes in the first place?

[churchill]

^^test for brake operation after all work by confirming pedal pressure and travel before driving, drive gently until you are sure the brakes work and check for leaks regularly over the next few weeks. If unsure take it to a professional.

Sounds like you have worn drums with a lip on the outer edge which is making them hard to get on and off. Of more concern is the binding, normaly drums do hit a tight spot as you rotate them. They should be adjusted so there is just a light rub on the tight spot but shouldn't bind. Check for a bent drum, a bent axle or you might just have to back the adjustment off a bit.