I think your pads are rusted stuck to the drums. Try applying the parking brake and or pressing hard on the brake without moving your car.Sometimes that may do the trick. If that fails remove the tire and tap the drum with a hammer until it gets loose. Good luck
First, your video is an extra class lesson. Second i like to ask any friend this: After long period of parking my car( handbrake), i can't move my car cause rear brakes are stuck. So i try to go forward and rear but with out result. What i must to do?????????? Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Man, I really wanna do this but I'm a bit nervous because I have never done drums before. Its funny how I do alot of engine work and still don't know how to do drums.
Thank you so so much the breaks you did in this vid was almost an exact match to my 94 grand am. I had to replace the cylinder too OMFG that was a pain. I was all set to go and had all the parts and diagrams. I took the drum, returns retention springs off. and it fell to the floor. w/o your vid I would have ate my pride & pushed it to a shop. Thanks!
Eric, thanks for the vids they have helped me a lot. Regarding drum brakes Im hoping you or someone can help me. I was removing the shoes off of a 94 jeep grand cherokee laredo and a piece fell out that I cannot identify or see where it came from. Its about the size of a quarter but shaped like a football. It has a rectangular slot in the center and small notches on top and bottom. If anyone needs a picture just let me know and ill send one. Thanks
I have a lift that is designed for the home mechanic, see my videos or search: "Finished Garage With MaxJax 2 Post Lift" for a guided tour of a remodeled garage interior, plenty of ideas you might like,storage, workbench, heating, floors and more!
thanks for the video it was very informative but i don't think i would be able to change myself it looks bit difficult specially putting springs back and adjustment , so going to mechanic lol
My breaks were grinding last few days. I finally found time to change them last night but for some reason they wont come off, Is there some kind of spray or something that I can use? Thanks
when you shot this video you had over 100 subscribers now you have 32,485+. i think this channel was a success. keep up the good work. and stay dirty :)
thanx for the video it helped, do you or have you done a front drive engine replacement? im old school, i wanna know how to do a engine change on a front wheel drive. thanx
im doing my shoes tomorrow. was a bit unsure about it all untill i saw your video. also im going to have my laptop in my garage so i can follow the video. Cheers !
Awesome video. I've done tons of disc brakes but this coming weekend will be my first drum project. After watching your video I think I'm fully prepared. Thanks bro!
Amazing video. Thanks Eric for the thoroughness and great video quality! I'm a DIY guy because it's a whole lot cheaper and a lot of fun. I knew nothing about drum brakes and my 99 F150 has them. Now I can pretty much change them out if I need to. Great video, many thanks and good job! Just subscribed!
Hi Eric. I have watched your videos more than 5 times but there is still something I don't get. When you put the new shoes back inside the drum, you use a screwdriver to loose or tighten a tensioner or something like that. I really understand why you do this but I don't understand how much tight or loose it should be. I own a Smart Fortwo. Thanks
@Zig23482 You're adjusting the clearance between the brake shoes and the inside of the drum. You need to do this to ensure good brake pedal feel as well as not getting them too tight so that the brakes overheat and possibly lock up.
when u break in my truck it feels like it grabs then doesnt grab then grabs it almost feels as if the roter in the front is bent, but it does it in the back which is break drums? should i look at replacing or what? it doesnt feel or sound like grinding its just a really bumpy ride.. help! lol
@m0t0cr0ss17 If you suspect warped drums or brake discs have them measured, if there is enough material left you can often machine them true again instead of replacing them.
I have to replace the brake/wheel cylinder on my truck. Is it absolutely necessary to pull everything out to get the cylinder out? is it also possible to take all the parking brake levers and such out, because my parking brake has been disconnected forever.
@Vacmasterthegreat No, in fact I would just crank the adjuster out to give you a little more clearance and just remove the wheel cylinder and leave everything else in place.
from 1Erick to another Eric this vid was very informative. im getting me some tools for xmas, putting down the ps3 controller for a few and going to go out there and get it done..thanks keepp them coming
Hey Eric, great video by the way! I really enjoy watching your videos. Here's a helpful tip for your viewers that are just getting started with their first brake job. Whenever I get a brake job that especially includes drum brakes, as a good habit (especially for us older folks), I always leave the opposite side intact. That way, I have a visual reference to go back to if I have to step away from the job. Keep up the great work!
great video. thank u so much for taking the time to help us save some money and learn at the same time! i also use this to help teach my 14 yr old son.
@re3rocks69 You're right, this was an early video and at the time I made it I wasn't thinking of such things because I had no idea ETCG would grow into what it is today. Thanks for keeping me honest.
Eric, this is one of your best videos because you took the time to clearly show all the complicated parts of the drum brake as well as explained their varied functions. In fact it is the best video I've ever seen on changing drum brakes. Your video shootage was very clear and after reviewing slowly through the video images, I am confident of changing my drum brakes which will be soon. Thanks for taking so much effort in making this helpful video.
@opsvideo2008 I appreciate that very much, this was actually one of my first videos and honestly I had no idea it would be this well received, thank you for your comment.
Im currently trying to remove the rear drums off a '01 cavalier I just bought that had been sitting for months. One side is rubbing and the other is good but i just want to inspect everything and find out why its rubbing. could you perhaps tell me where the star wheel is, theres a rubber plug at the i pulled out at the 4-oclock position while under the car. And while looking inside i cant see a star wheel anywhere. and whats the best way to remove seized drums?
@MossyOak83 Unfortunately there probably isn't an access hole in that set up so you would need to remove the drums to do your inspection and honestly that's a better way to do it anyway. Just hit the drum between the studs or if you have screw holes use those to get the drums off, I did a video on this "Removing Brake Drums The Easy Way". Good luck.
@cstaroscik Thanks. You gave a wise & excellent tip in saying don't ever take off both sides at the same time but to always leave one side for reference should we ever get confused on how to assemble back the drum brakes. I love YT because we are sharing valuable experiences and teaching one another how to do a better job.
Really like your videos. I was getting a front end allignment on my 01 chevy cavalier and the mechanic while the wheels where off was spining the front wheel while brakes where on. he said that was good. But when he tried to spind the rear brakes the tire did not move. He said the brake is not working. I don't know where to start with this. Is the drum too tight perhaps. The brakes are pretty knew, about 25,000 miles. Thanks in advance. Mike
@watchthatbaby I'm a little confused by your comment honestly, if the brakes were on none of the wheels should have moved, if the parking brake was on the rear wheels would not rotate. If the brakes in the rear were not adjusted correctly then it could cause the rear wheels to hang up, you might want to check the adjustment.
Hey there...so i intstalled my drums today a lil bit ago and when i took my car for a drive test to see if there was no problem with the brakes, i notice a voice every time the wheel rotated, like if one of the shoes touched the drum or maybe both. aim comment back in a few days and see if this problem was resolved. but in ur opinion you think this is normal? By the way ur tutorial was great thanks to you i managed to put my drums and shoes on my 93 cadillac. thanks hope you can respond back.
@FRBYND The jack stand is just out of frame on the right, you can see it better when I switch to the other side. I should have worn different footwear as you suggest however.
Just spent all night replacing one side due to 1, wrong size shoes and drums sold to me, thanks Autozone! And 2 didn't take a pic. Wish I saw this video first but hey, never did it on a Mercury mystique 98. Very helpful video Thanks!
hey mate thanks for the tutorial you are by far the best and most interactive mechanic on the tube , ps my red princess woulda been screwed without this video .. thanks again
hey mate thanks for the tutorial you are by far the best and most interactive mechanic on the tube , ps my red princess woulda been screwed without this video .. thanks again
@HardstyleREVOLVER I'm always happy to help out a princess as I have a weakness for the ladies. Thanks very much for your comment it is very much appreciated.
how do you get that one spring connected to the brake shoe off? do you need a specific tool? i need to change my shoes but i don't know how to take it off, (its like a spring with a rod in the middle)
ETCG, you are by far the most polite and most user friendly and most helpful YouTube mechanic I have ever seen, you deserve an award like a YouTube Grammy for all the DIY repair videos and prompt replies you supply to your subscribers and regular common folk. FYI I stumbled upon you from searching for how to solder. I'm glad, my knowledge has expanded from watching your videos. You are a rugged, mans man and there should be more people like you in the world teaching people how to work on their
Thanks Eric, great vids. I did the rear brakes on my 96 cherokee, found the flat spring on the truss bar had crumbled so left it out, do you think this will cause problems?
@Funkyjazz1000 Yes actually, you can get a new spring in a hardware kit which are very inexpensive in my opinion as it comes with all new springs for both sides.
awesome video eric. did my drums on 2003 buick century. i had one hell of a time, puting all the components together, and tryin to snap that big w spring into the shoe without everthing falling apart. eric is their an easier way to do this?
@reddog9401 If I get my hands on that set up I'd be happy to make a video for you. Till then you might look into a special tool for those springs that would make things a lot easier, I believe they make one but I don't have one myself.
Hi Eric, love your videos first thing I'd like to say. I have a 2000 toyota camry and when I tried to replace my brake shoes, the whole brake look different than the one you did. How do I figure it out?
Leggo off my Eggo! So what do you when you put all the pieces back together. How is the drum cover suppose so stay on? What adjustment do i have to make! Thanks
I Drive a 03 Wrangler and it sounds like my rear drivers side tire has a chain pulling from it on the ground. You Don't really hear it when you get to around 45 MPH you can hear it if you roll the jeep even if the engine is off and u push it or roll it down a hill in neutral. Would this be the drums?
@EricTheCarGuy hey i talked to an old mechanic of mine and it was actually the front right break pads when i was driving it sounded like the back. ones. Now im going to get the front rotors and pads changed...i have 2 options do them myself for aroung 55-60 bucks or have him do it for 160, but i get a discount so 120...what would u recommend? And i really liek doing work on my own car.
@EricTheCarGuy Hey when i had purchased the rotors and pads for the break job i noticed that my cilinder does not push back when i pry it, seized up caliper :/ but that was the cheapest part so thats not bad, i did both sides with the pads n rotors and only ones side with a new caliper. It worked great my 1st time doing it and now my break light is gone :D cost 90 in tottal for parts and some small tools.
@CODxFUNxMAN That's good news I'm glad you decided to try it yourself. You might want to crack the bleeder on the caliper next time just to be sure it really is seized up as sometimes they won't go in all the way if you don't. Thanks for the comments.
Hey Eric, I have a 91 LeSabre and when i am stopping at a light the car slows down ok, but it feels liek its missing contact in some spot like its slows and then its really not then slows u know what i mean,,?? Feels like only one of the shows is touching or something, i checked my reart breaklines today b/c i had them replaced a long time ago but they seem fine, i rotated the drum on one side it was fine and the other it wasnt like that. SO any advice? before i go spendign money lol
@EricTheCarGuy OH i know for SURE MY ABS is not working lmao this winter and when its raining it slides the abs doesnt activate . Its fun in winter time but i wouldnt mind having the abs work, but the thing is the abs has been out for over 8 months, since i had the car and im sure they havent been working for years from my old neighbor . What does it mena when a drum or rotor is warped?
@CODxFUNxMAN Out of round, think of an old vinyl record that has been sitting out in the sun too long, now picture your brakes trying to squeeze onto that warped record.
@EricTheCarGuy HEY I NEED HELP!! my buick is makeing some serious Wining/squealing when the car is moving but when i slow down it stops and you can feel very uncomfortable rubbing from the read drums..the light has been on for a few days now. WHat do i do?
_1991_BUICK_LeSABRE_CUSTOM_ 63k_FWD_3.8L_v6_ PLEASE HELP
@Cutdog217 Yea, this was pretty early in the ETCG lineup, I've caught a lot of flack over not wearing the proper footwear when doing this repair. Thanks for the comment.
I know that many drum brakes have a hole you can get at from the medial side that gives you access to the star wheel with the drum on. On my truck, there is a depression but no real hole. So, what do you do if you can't get a drum off because of a lip on the drum? Do you drill out that depression to get access to the star wheel? Or, do you have to cut the drum off with a torch? Are there any other options? Thanks, Eric!
@spelunkerd Yea you see that more and more. If you run into that problem you have little options but I've cut the 'nail heads' off of the back of the backing plate to allow the shoes to move with the drum to get them off in the past. You get new ones with a hardware kit which you would need anyway because things would get broken. I don't recommend using heat on automotive hubs as they really don't like that very much, not to mention tempering the metal in the brake drum.
Hey Eric, have you ever done lug conversions? Like 4 lugs to 5 lugs? Swapping that whole thing as well? I don't know if you follow me but changing the whole thing to convert it to 5 lugs from 4 lugs.
@EricTheCarGuy oh I see it. I thought the whole thing has to be replaced. They came with a kit and I didn't know what to do with it. I almost bought junk yard parts. 300zx whole arm, etc. to replace the stock on my Nissan 240sx. Honestly my only resource is your videos haha but hey at the end of the day it works! Thanks for your advice. I almost bought something unnecessary.
@pinoyALLmotorEVOIXMR There are other things besides the hub that needs replacing such as the brake rotor for one, it really depends on the make and model.
@EricTheCarGuy yeah I just got my rotors, rims with tires. My car looks stupid as we speak haha I started today but I only finished 1 and that's the front left tire. It cost a lot of money. When I bought the 5 lugs kit, I realized I'm going to need new rotors, calipers, rims and tires as well. But in the end it pays off :) I never felt so confident until I watched your videos. Thanks for all of your advice! Best mechanic in my opinion haha
@EricTheCarGuy if i wanted to just check my brake shoe level, could i just take off the wheel and remove the drum and look? is there any other way? because theres no way to see in without taking off the frum.
@lol123321123321 Some models have an inspection plug that can be removed on the backing plate that makes for easy inspection of the shoes without removing the wheel but the best and most accurate way is to remove the drum and inspect them first hand.
hi eric sorry to bother you again, could you please explain what exactly happens when drums exceed the diameter limit? would that contribute to very weak breaking like not being able to lock the fronts?
@seasonedtoker Misadjusted rear brakes or brakes that are not properly bled can cause that as well as a master cylinder problem. As for drums past their service limit they can overheat, crack, or warp faster than they would if they were in spec.
Im liking the steal toed sandals in this video lol! hahahahah
Shrpshooter99 1 day ago in playlist Brakes
I think your pads are rusted stuck to the drums. Try applying the parking brake and or pressing hard on the brake without moving your car.Sometimes that may do the trick. If that fails remove the tire and tap the drum with a hammer until it gets loose. Good luck
TheGonso35 4 days ago
excellent,easy to follow clear and precise.SUBBED:)
thanxx 5 days ago
First, your video is an extra class lesson. Second i like to ask any friend this: After long period of parking my car( handbrake), i can't move my car cause rear brakes are stuck. So i try to go forward and rear but with out result. What i must to do?????????? Thanks!!!!!!!!!
telosfd 5 days ago
THANKS!!! VERY VERY HELPFUL..NOW OFF TO DO MINES ON MY 05 SENTRA
iCakes4 6 days ago
good job ... thanks ....
goldakik2012 2 weeks ago
great job, but for newbies. always use jack stand. be safe, not sorry
clozo187 2 weeks ago
I was ready amd prepared to do my rear brakes on my cavalier and it is not the same setup.. way diff.. but i did it. thanx for the motivation tho lol
kfc1202dvc 3 weeks ago
The hardest thing I ever work on the drum brake is Pontiac Grand AM 2005 because it has dual spring on the brake.
strassj 3 weeks ago
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Man, I really wanna do this but I'm a bit nervous because I have never done drums before. Its funny how I do alot of engine work and still don't know how to do drums.
reglus03 3 weeks ago
Comment removed
reglus03 3 weeks ago
What are you using to clean it?
xabcx 4 weeks ago
Thank you so so much the breaks you did in this vid was almost an exact match to my 94 grand am. I had to replace the cylinder too OMFG that was a pain. I was all set to go and had all the parts and diagrams. I took the drum, returns retention springs off. and it fell to the floor. w/o your vid I would have ate my pride & pushed it to a shop. Thanks!
DragonsKindler 1 month ago
Eric, thanks for the vids they have helped me a lot. Regarding drum brakes Im hoping you or someone can help me. I was removing the shoes off of a 94 jeep grand cherokee laredo and a piece fell out that I cannot identify or see where it came from. Its about the size of a quarter but shaped like a football. It has a rectangular slot in the center and small notches on top and bottom. If anyone needs a picture just let me know and ill send one. Thanks
WorldofClean 1 month ago
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I have a lift that is designed for the home mechanic, see my videos or search: "Finished Garage With MaxJax 2 Post Lift" for a guided tour of a remodeled garage interior, plenty of ideas you might like,storage, workbench, heating, floors and more!
ytregguy1 1 month ago
hey how would you do this on a 95 grand voyager?
NDOGG26 1 month ago in playlist Car Repair
i love being a mechanic
6deadclones 1 month ago
thank you im in a auto class for my future and this helped alot i always herp derp onand i know how to change brakes now thanks
thekenny991 1 month ago
Awesome, thanks for posting!
route66minion 1 month ago
GREAT video. Subbing :)
skaryface7 1 month ago
15:08 "Leggo My EGGO"
MaikeP71 1 month ago
thanks for the video it was very informative but i don't think i would be able to change myself it looks bit difficult specially putting springs back and adjustment , so going to mechanic lol
o0oTouYubeo0o 1 month ago
My breaks were grinding last few days. I finally found time to change them last night but for some reason they wont come off, Is there some kind of spray or something that I can use? Thanks
lawngharris 1 month ago
when you shot this video you had over 100 subscribers now you have 32,485+. i think this channel was a success. keep up the good work. and stay dirty :)
MMyballsitch 1 month ago
I think its funny how when this was shot he just got to 100 subscribers... and now has over 32000...
kt14328 1 month ago
aunq es en ingles me halludo mucho,gracias
GILCADENAS64 1 month ago
thanx for the video it helped, do you or have you done a front drive engine replacement? im old school, i wanna know how to do a engine change on a front wheel drive. thanx
SophisticatedDork 1 month ago
Hey eric, when you do Drum brakes do you recommend replacing the springs and other hardware with it?
13FravelJ 2 months ago
Helped me out
kalgstol 2 months ago
im doing my shoes tomorrow. was a bit unsure about it all untill i saw your video. also im going to have my laptop in my garage so i can follow the video. Cheers !
shaunthesheep2011 2 months ago
@shaunthesheep2011 Good luck with that job and thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago
Awesome video. I've done tons of disc brakes but this coming weekend will be my first drum project. After watching your video I think I'm fully prepared. Thanks bro!
ladyelkinz 2 months ago
@ladyelkinz I think you'll do fine, good luck.
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago
This video has convinced me to get 4 wheel disc brakes from now on. Thanks.
robran53 2 months ago 8
Amazing video. Thanks Eric for the thoroughness and great video quality! I'm a DIY guy because it's a whole lot cheaper and a lot of fun. I knew nothing about drum brakes and my 99 F150 has them. Now I can pretty much change them out if I need to. Great video, many thanks and good job! Just subscribed!
Platinumkanikas 2 months ago
@Platinumkanikas Thanks for your comment and sub I really appreciate them both.
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago
Thank you Eric. You should have become a Physics Professor. You have been blessed with a friendly and nice personalily.
192ali1 2 months ago
@192ali1 Thank you very much for that but for now I'll stick to what I know with auto mechanics.
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago
Hi Eric. I have watched your videos more than 5 times but there is still something I don't get. When you put the new shoes back inside the drum, you use a screwdriver to loose or tighten a tensioner or something like that. I really understand why you do this but I don't understand how much tight or loose it should be. I own a Smart Fortwo. Thanks
Zig23482 2 months ago
@Zig23482 You're adjusting the clearance between the brake shoes and the inside of the drum. You need to do this to ensure good brake pedal feel as well as not getting them too tight so that the brakes overheat and possibly lock up.
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago
thanks eric. i need to do this as soon as possible. i was told i need new drums but doing the job myself will be cool.
jdogtotherescue 2 months ago
when u break in my truck it feels like it grabs then doesnt grab then grabs it almost feels as if the roter in the front is bent, but it does it in the back which is break drums? should i look at replacing or what? it doesnt feel or sound like grinding its just a really bumpy ride.. help! lol
m0t0cr0ss17 2 months ago
@m0t0cr0ss17 If you suspect warped drums or brake discs have them measured, if there is enough material left you can often machine them true again instead of replacing them.
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago
I have to replace the brake/wheel cylinder on my truck. Is it absolutely necessary to pull everything out to get the cylinder out? is it also possible to take all the parking brake levers and such out, because my parking brake has been disconnected forever.
Vacmasterthegreat 2 months ago
@Vacmasterthegreat No, in fact I would just crank the adjuster out to give you a little more clearance and just remove the wheel cylinder and leave everything else in place.
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago
from 1Erick to another Eric this vid was very informative. im getting me some tools for xmas, putting down the ps3 controller for a few and going to go out there and get it done..thanks keepp them coming
bowers4oven 2 months ago
Cheers Eric gr8 vid' im having a go at my drums in the morning thxs for the good tips. Have a good un bro.
1ukbully 2 months ago
what do you use for cleaning?
lloyd29aq 3 months ago
@lloyd29aq Just brake cleaner, it's available at most auto parts stores.
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago
Hey Eric, great video by the way! I really enjoy watching your videos. Here's a helpful tip for your viewers that are just getting started with their first brake job. Whenever I get a brake job that especially includes drum brakes, as a good habit (especially for us older folks), I always leave the opposite side intact. That way, I have a visual reference to go back to if I have to step away from the job. Keep up the great work!
degrande707 3 months ago
Thanks for the video really help me a lot.
75geovany 3 months ago
lol if i hire you to do work on my car can i watch?
kurama10271 3 months ago
@kurama10271 Perhaps but how bout I make a video for you it'll last longer. :)
EricTheCarGuy 3 months ago 6
@EricTheCarGuy Eric your the best =)
kurama10271 3 months ago
you rock!! thorough and correct. thanks for taking the time.
RAWNEMESIS 3 months ago
@RAWNEMESIS Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 3 months ago
thanks for this awesome video.. I love it cuz now I get to make money off my neighbors by doing there drum brake service..lol.
JUANITO5338 3 months ago 3
@JUANITO5338 Nice!
EricTheCarGuy 3 months ago
great video. thank u so much for taking the time to help us save some money and learn at the same time! i also use this to help teach my 14 yr old son.
WhyJudgeLittle 3 months ago
@WhyJudgeLittle I don't know how I could be happier with this comment.
EricTheCarGuy 3 months ago
You're a good guy eric, you get the job done.
MrYoureAdouche 3 months ago
@MrYoureAdouche Than k you for that, glad you liked it.
EricTheCarGuy 3 months ago
great video. are those drum brakes on a cavalier, i have done several of those in the last few days, they just look very familiar.
kenman1717 3 months ago
@kenman1717 In fact they are, 2000 Cavalier to be exact. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 3 months ago
sandles????? tsk tsk tsk brother gotta where those steel toes! ;)
re3rocks69 3 months ago
@re3rocks69 You're right, this was an early video and at the time I made it I wasn't thinking of such things because I had no idea ETCG would grow into what it is today. Thanks for keeping me honest.
EricTheCarGuy 3 months ago
Eric, this is one of your best videos because you took the time to clearly show all the complicated parts of the drum brake as well as explained their varied functions. In fact it is the best video I've ever seen on changing drum brakes. Your video shootage was very clear and after reviewing slowly through the video images, I am confident of changing my drum brakes which will be soon. Thanks for taking so much effort in making this helpful video.
opsvideo2008 3 months ago
@opsvideo2008 I appreciate that very much, this was actually one of my first videos and honestly I had no idea it would be this well received, thank you for your comment.
EricTheCarGuy 3 months ago
Many Many Many Thanks 非常感谢
mastmanageangelatsui 4 months ago
@mastmanageangelatsui You are most welcome, thank you for your comment.
EricTheCarGuy 3 months ago
Been watching you shows all day. and gotta say great job. BUT!!!!. I found a problem. Never have open toed shoes. great show. thanks
h88auto 4 months ago in playlist More videos from EricTheCarGuy
@h88auto I agree, this was an early video and I had no idea that it would become this popular. Thanks for watching and for your comment.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
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YOWZER - Check out The Auto Smarts DVD at Amazon.com
AutoSmartsOnline 4 months ago
Im currently trying to remove the rear drums off a '01 cavalier I just bought that had been sitting for months. One side is rubbing and the other is good but i just want to inspect everything and find out why its rubbing. could you perhaps tell me where the star wheel is, theres a rubber plug at the i pulled out at the 4-oclock position while under the car. And while looking inside i cant see a star wheel anywhere. and whats the best way to remove seized drums?
MossyOak83 4 months ago
@MossyOak83 Unfortunately there probably isn't an access hole in that set up so you would need to remove the drums to do your inspection and honestly that's a better way to do it anyway. Just hit the drum between the studs or if you have screw holes use those to get the drums off, I did a video on this "Removing Brake Drums The Easy Way". Good luck.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
hey ima subscribe to your shit cus its well explained..thanx
Paper69Chaser 4 months ago
@Paper69Chaser Thank you for that and your comment.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
Don't ever take off both sides! Use one side to refer to so you don't scree yourself when you forget where everything goes.
cstaroscik 4 months ago
@cstaroscik I mentioned that in the video thanks.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
@cstaroscik Thanks. You gave a wise & excellent tip in saying don't ever take off both sides at the same time but to always leave one side for reference should we ever get confused on how to assemble back the drum brakes. I love YT because we are sharing valuable experiences and teaching one another how to do a better job.
opsvideo2008 3 months ago
Hi Eric,
Really like your videos. I was getting a front end allignment on my 01 chevy cavalier and the mechanic while the wheels where off was spining the front wheel while brakes where on. he said that was good. But when he tried to spind the rear brakes the tire did not move. He said the brake is not working. I don't know where to start with this. Is the drum too tight perhaps. The brakes are pretty knew, about 25,000 miles. Thanks in advance. Mike
watchthatbaby 4 months ago
@watchthatbaby I'm a little confused by your comment honestly, if the brakes were on none of the wheels should have moved, if the parking brake was on the rear wheels would not rotate. If the brakes in the rear were not adjusted correctly then it could cause the rear wheels to hang up, you might want to check the adjustment.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
Hey I like the video. What did you use to clean the drum with before you installed it
MegaUniboy 4 months ago
@MegaUniboy Brake cleaner.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
Hey there...so i intstalled my drums today a lil bit ago and when i took my car for a drive test to see if there was no problem with the brakes, i notice a voice every time the wheel rotated, like if one of the shoes touched the drum or maybe both. aim comment back in a few days and see if this problem was resolved. but in ur opinion you think this is normal? By the way ur tutorial was great thanks to you i managed to put my drums and shoes on my 93 cadillac. thanks hope you can respond back.
m3xican02 4 months ago
@m3xican02 Sometimes a small amount of rust gets stuck between the drum and backing plate after a brake job so you might want to check for that.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
i dont see a jack stand............where are your shoes, or boots....and where is your joint
FRBYND 4 months ago
@FRBYND The jack stand is just out of frame on the right, you can see it better when I switch to the other side. I should have worn different footwear as you suggest however.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
thanks for the video it was very helpful.
LUISCORTEZ02 4 months ago
@LUISCORTEZ02 Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
Eric thanx a lot for your video! Ill try to change my brakes this week.
Ill let you know how it went.
Dmitrius5 5 months ago
@Dmitrius5 Good luck. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
Hey Eric, what happens if you put the shoes on the wrong way?
13FravelJ 5 months ago
@13FravelJ The brakes will not work properly.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
Hey Eric, Is it possible to take off a drum and sand it and paint it?
13FravelJ 5 months ago
@13FravelJ The outside sure but not the inside.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
Just spent all night replacing one side due to 1, wrong size shoes and drums sold to me, thanks Autozone! And 2 didn't take a pic. Wish I saw this video first but hey, never did it on a Mercury mystique 98. Very helpful video Thanks!
SackyX 5 months ago
@SackyX Sorry to hear about your trouble but I'm glad the video helped you. Thanks for your comment.
EricTheCarGuy 5 months ago
Are you just using a jack and not jack stands?
ballinramey 5 months ago
@ballinramey I'm using jack stands, you can actually see them better when I go to the other side at the end of the video.
EricTheCarGuy 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
hey mate thanks for the tutorial you are by far the best and most interactive mechanic on the tube , ps my red princess woulda been screwed without this video .. thanks again
HardstyleREVOLVER 5 months ago
hey mate thanks for the tutorial you are by far the best and most interactive mechanic on the tube , ps my red princess woulda been screwed without this video .. thanks again
HardstyleREVOLVER 5 months ago
@HardstyleREVOLVER I'm always happy to help out a princess as I have a weakness for the ladies. Thanks very much for your comment it is very much appreciated.
EricTheCarGuy 5 months ago
dude i love your diy vids great help on my 1973 f100 dude thanks and keep it up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
chubinaruto 5 months ago
@chubinaruto Nice old truck, glad I could help.
EricTheCarGuy 5 months ago
how do you get that one spring connected to the brake shoe off? do you need a specific tool? i need to change my shoes but i don't know how to take it off, (its like a spring with a rod in the middle)
VoltaPikachu 5 months ago
@VoltaPikachu Perhaps watching the video will help.
EricTheCarGuy 5 months ago
Leggo my Eggo!!
bad03xtreme 5 months ago
Fantastic video! Thank you for posting this -- it's much appreciated!
devenking 5 months ago
@devenking Your most welcome, thanks very much for your comment.
EricTheCarGuy 5 months ago
Thanks ERIC THA CAR GUY u helped me out alot with my first rear break drum swap on my 1989 ford mustang gt THANKS bro keep up the awsome work!!!!!!
YuNgJaYaRoUnDtHaWaY 6 months ago in playlist car maintnance
@YuNgJaYaRoUnDtHaWaY I'm happy to help, thanks very much for your comment.
EricTheCarGuy 6 months ago
great video !
benny7702 6 months ago
ETCG, you are by far the most polite and most user friendly and most helpful YouTube mechanic I have ever seen, you deserve an award like a YouTube Grammy for all the DIY repair videos and prompt replies you supply to your subscribers and regular common folk. FYI I stumbled upon you from searching for how to solder. I'm glad, my knowledge has expanded from watching your videos. You are a rugged, mans man and there should be more people like you in the world teaching people how to work on their
aaronphx420 6 months ago
@aaronphx420 That is the best comment I've read all day thank you so much for posting it.
EricTheCarGuy 6 months ago
Thanks Eric, great vids. I did the rear brakes on my 96 cherokee, found the flat spring on the truss bar had crumbled so left it out, do you think this will cause problems?
Funkyjazz1000 7 months ago
@Funkyjazz1000 Yes actually, you can get a new spring in a hardware kit which are very inexpensive in my opinion as it comes with all new springs for both sides.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
awesome video eric. did my drums on 2003 buick century. i had one hell of a time, puting all the components together, and tryin to snap that big w spring into the shoe without everthing falling apart. eric is their an easier way to do this?
reddog9401 7 months ago
@reddog9401 If I get my hands on that set up I'd be happy to make a video for you. Till then you might look into a special tool for those springs that would make things a lot easier, I believe they make one but I don't have one myself.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
Do shoes need to be bedded in?
Stovokor41 7 months ago
@Stovokor41 Actually anytime you put new friction material on it needs time to seat in before they work at their best. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
Hi Eric, love your videos first thing I'd like to say. I have a 2000 toyota camry and when I tried to replace my brake shoes, the whole brake look different than the one you did. How do I figure it out?
Many thanks.
killsometimeforfun 7 months ago
@killsometimeforfun You might want to watch the video I did on the Honda brakes as they might be similar to what you have.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
Leggo off my Eggo! So what do you when you put all the pieces back together. How is the drum cover suppose so stay on? What adjustment do i have to make! Thanks
laggin10 7 months ago
@laggin10 I believe I covered those questions in the video. The drum is held on by the wheel after you fasten it down.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
I Drive a 03 Wrangler and it sounds like my rear drivers side tire has a chain pulling from it on the ground. You Don't really hear it when you get to around 45 MPH you can hear it if you roll the jeep even if the engine is off and u push it or roll it down a hill in neutral. Would this be the drums?
CODbloodtap 7 months ago
@CODbloodtap The first thing I would do is pull the drums and get a look at the brakes.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy thanks man I dropped it today. I love your channel keep the vids coming.
LeoLove77 8 months ago
@LeoLove77 Good news, thanks for the update and for your comments.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
I am attempting to remove mine on my 87 camaro & just wanted to make sure im doing it correctly..cheers : )
LeoLove77 8 months ago
@LeoLove77 They can be tough sometimes but stick with it and you'll do fine.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
@ EricTheCarGuy I meant the rear end as a whole lol. I was wondering if you already covered that in a video. Thanks.
LeoLove77 8 months ago
ok i will try tomorrow. i have work and work very late tonight, i ll get back to you
CODxFUNxMAN 8 months ago
@CODxFUNxMAN Good luck.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy hey i talked to an old mechanic of mine and it was actually the front right break pads when i was driving it sounded like the back. ones. Now im going to get the front rotors and pads changed...i have 2 options do them myself for aroung 55-60 bucks or have him do it for 160, but i get a discount so 120...what would u recommend? And i really liek doing work on my own car.
CODxFUNxMAN 8 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy Hey when i had purchased the rotors and pads for the break job i noticed that my cilinder does not push back when i pry it, seized up caliper :/ but that was the cheapest part so thats not bad, i did both sides with the pads n rotors and only ones side with a new caliper. It worked great my 1st time doing it and now my break light is gone :D cost 90 in tottal for parts and some small tools.
CODxFUNxMAN 8 months ago
@CODxFUNxMAN That's good news I'm glad you decided to try it yourself. You might want to crack the bleeder on the caliper next time just to be sure it really is seized up as sometimes they won't go in all the way if you don't. Thanks for the comments.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
do you have any vidz on removing a rear end from a v8?
LeoLove77 8 months ago
@LeoLove77 It's pretty much the same really.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
this video saved me! thank you so much Eric XD. I was also wondering
LeoLove77 8 months ago
Hey Eric, I have a 91 LeSabre and when i am stopping at a light the car slows down ok, but it feels liek its missing contact in some spot like its slows and then its really not then slows u know what i mean,,?? Feels like only one of the shows is touching or something, i checked my reart breaklines today b/c i had them replaced a long time ago but they seem fine, i rotated the drum on one side it was fine and the other it wasnt like that. SO any advice? before i go spendign money lol
CODxFUNxMAN 8 months ago
@CODxFUNxMAN Hard to say but perhaps you have warped rotors or brake drums or an issue with the ABS. I would look to warped rotors or drums first.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy OH i know for SURE MY ABS is not working lmao this winter and when its raining it slides the abs doesnt activate . Its fun in winter time but i wouldnt mind having the abs work, but the thing is the abs has been out for over 8 months, since i had the car and im sure they havent been working for years from my old neighbor . What does it mena when a drum or rotor is warped?
CODxFUNxMAN 8 months ago
@CODxFUNxMAN Out of round, think of an old vinyl record that has been sitting out in the sun too long, now picture your brakes trying to squeeze onto that warped record.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy HEY I NEED HELP!! my buick is makeing some serious Wining/squealing when the car is moving but when i slow down it stops and you can feel very uncomfortable rubbing from the read drums..the light has been on for a few days now. WHat do i do?
_1991_BUICK_LeSABRE_CUSTOM_ 63k_FWD_3.8L_v6_ PLEASE HELP
CODxFUNxMAN 8 months ago
@CODxFUNxMAN I would start by removing the drums and getting a look at the breaks to see if I can get a visual on the problem.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
Comment removed
MrSwaggaMatic 8 months ago
nice vid...how did you take off the drum itself...cuz mine is stuck even though my parking brakes is down (O.o)
MrSwaggaMatic 8 months ago
@MrSwaggaMatic Hit between the studs or watch the video I did Removing Brake Drums, The Easy Way.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
thanks alot bro. this tutorial really helped me out on my 91 exploder
ghost626213 8 months ago
@ghost626213 Helping people with my videos is what I do and it's great to get comments like this thanks.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
Thanks, this helped alot!
Dualshock21 9 months ago
@Dualshock21 I'm happy to help, thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 9 months ago
nice sandals!
Cutdog217 9 months ago
@Cutdog217 Yea, this was pretty early in the ETCG lineup, I've caught a lot of flack over not wearing the proper footwear when doing this repair. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 9 months ago
I know that many drum brakes have a hole you can get at from the medial side that gives you access to the star wheel with the drum on. On my truck, there is a depression but no real hole. So, what do you do if you can't get a drum off because of a lip on the drum? Do you drill out that depression to get access to the star wheel? Or, do you have to cut the drum off with a torch? Are there any other options? Thanks, Eric!
spelunkerd 9 months ago
@spelunkerd Yea you see that more and more. If you run into that problem you have little options but I've cut the 'nail heads' off of the back of the backing plate to allow the shoes to move with the drum to get them off in the past. You get new ones with a hardware kit which you would need anyway because things would get broken. I don't recommend using heat on automotive hubs as they really don't like that very much, not to mention tempering the metal in the brake drum.
EricTheCarGuy 9 months ago
Hey Eric, have you ever done lug conversions? Like 4 lugs to 5 lugs? Swapping that whole thing as well? I don't know if you follow me but changing the whole thing to convert it to 5 lugs from 4 lugs.
pinoyALLmotorEVOIXMR 10 months ago
@pinoyALLmotorEVOIXMR I haven't done that exact thing but I've done plenty of wheel bearings which is pretty much the same process.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy oh I see it. I thought the whole thing has to be replaced. They came with a kit and I didn't know what to do with it. I almost bought junk yard parts. 300zx whole arm, etc. to replace the stock on my Nissan 240sx. Honestly my only resource is your videos haha but hey at the end of the day it works! Thanks for your advice. I almost bought something unnecessary.
pinoyALLmotorEVOIXMR 10 months ago
@pinoyALLmotorEVOIXMR There are other things besides the hub that needs replacing such as the brake rotor for one, it really depends on the make and model.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy yeah I just got my rotors, rims with tires. My car looks stupid as we speak haha I started today but I only finished 1 and that's the front left tire. It cost a lot of money. When I bought the 5 lugs kit, I realized I'm going to need new rotors, calipers, rims and tires as well. But in the end it pays off :) I never felt so confident until I watched your videos. Thanks for all of your advice! Best mechanic in my opinion haha
pinoyALLmotorEVOIXMR 10 months ago
@pinoyALLmotorEVOIXMR It is a job for sure, sounds like your having fun and it's keeping you out of trouble though.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy if i wanted to just check my brake shoe level, could i just take off the wheel and remove the drum and look? is there any other way? because theres no way to see in without taking off the frum.
lol123321123321 10 months ago
@lol123321123321 Some models have an inspection plug that can be removed on the backing plate that makes for easy inspection of the shoes without removing the wheel but the best and most accurate way is to remove the drum and inspect them first hand.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
What no engine swap? ;)
peelout40 10 months ago
thanks for posting this video. it helped me out a lot.
joshuanicholas450 10 months ago
hi eric sorry to bother you again, could you please explain what exactly happens when drums exceed the diameter limit? would that contribute to very weak breaking like not being able to lock the fronts?
seasonedtoker 10 months ago
@seasonedtoker Misadjusted rear brakes or brakes that are not properly bled can cause that as well as a master cylinder problem. As for drums past their service limit they can overheat, crack, or warp faster than they would if they were in spec.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
Excellent vid, man. Great detail, easy to follow.
bobbyswamp 10 months ago
@bobbyswamp Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago