620 front drum brake removal

[nemo]

I must be missing something simple since I can't find reference searching here or across the rest of the interwebs. That's ok. The answer surely must be in the manual that arrived in my mail today, right? Wrong. Now I appeal to the wisdom and mercy of the good folks here...

 

Working to replace the front drums/shoes/springs and I can't seem to get the shoes off. The adjuster is completely backed off but there is still a very significant amount of pressure holding them on. Also note that the pull-off spring was missing a hook and fell on the ground after I removed the drum. Here I am now considering the use of brute force but experience has proven that easily can result in creating a bigger problem unless absolutely called for. Was hoping someone here can offer obvious advice so I can slap my forehead and easily move on.

 

[Guest Rick-rat]

Pull one side out of the slots on top and bottom , then just swing the shoe around sideways and then remove the other. The springs put a lot of pressure on the shoes

[datzenmike]

Well you can remove the hub assembly for more room. Probably you could inspect the bearings and repack the grease at the same time.

 

The '73 FSM also says to remove the springs.... easier said than done I bet.

 

I would just pry the shoe outward at the bottom away from the slot in the adjuster and let the lower spring pull it back in front of it. Then it will be easier to pry the other side out. Then do the tops at the wheel cylinder. There should be room behind the hub, but if not, maybe taking it off isn't a bad idea? Now the springs can be detached, or if the hub is off just lift away.

[Guest Rick-rat]

Yes, much easier for reinstallation with hub off too.

[DanielC]

Take the hubs off and repack the bearings.  I know, it is a grimy, messy job, but then you know the condition of the bearings, and need not worry about them. 

[datzenmike]

Very true and isn't one of those bearings NLA???

[DanielC]

I think it is the 521 bearings that are NLA.

[nemo]

Thanks y'all. A little force and they came right off. Apologies if overly cautious. I've spent some time racing large sailboats and tend make sure I know what's going on before messing with things under load.

[metalmonkey47]

I'd rather be cautious and ensure nothing gets broken or any harm is done. 


That said, Datsun drum brakes are easy. I'll usually pull the bottom of the trailing shoe straight back with gloves on (so you don't scrape up your knuckles against the backing place) until it's off of the adjuster, and then pull it apart from there. Very easy. Re-assembly is as easy as placing the shoes behind the hub, setting your springs in place, and setting the leading shoe on the adjuster and top portion. Then just stretch the lower of the leading shoe over the adjuster and you're cherry.  

Make sure you clean/lube the adjuster well or you'll be doing the whole thing over again to get out the adjuster. 

 

 

Edit: Noticed you're north of atlanta, LMK if you ever run into trouble. I can't imagine I'm too far away. 

[datzenmike]

I think it is the 521 bearings that are NLA.

 

Thanks Daniel, somehow I thought this WAS a 521. :blush: