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Trying to fix up my parking brake that isn't working. I've taken off the caliper but the rotor just wont come off. I detached the parking brake cable at the spring to release any pressure. The hinge lever (?) seems to freely jiggle enough and seems as open as it can be, but the rotor will only rock a bit and come forward maybe 1/4". I assume the parking brake shoes are out just enough to cause this grief. I dont want to force the rotor off and break anything. Is there something I can try to safely get this rotor off?
First thing I noticed was how dry the lugs are. Hit-em with some PB Blaster, walk away for a bit.
You will need a BF hammer. But do not strike the rotor directly. Use a wood block to take the blows. Sometimes you can bang on the rotor at 9 o clock or 3 o clock like you are trying to install it and the opposite side will pop loose. Then tap on the back side.
Whoever put the rotor on before failed to align the parking brake adjuster holes. I was going to recommend you turn the adjuster to decrease the OD of the parking brake shoes but that cannot happen now. Agree with HeadsU.P. you will need to “persuade” the rotor. I would use a plastic coated dead blow to prevent damage to the rotor.
If you can move 1/4 inch then i assume it is the lip on the shoes catching.
back forth bfh like a plastic dead blow around perimeter.
i was going to say to mark the rotor for runout but as pointed out, may not have been put back from original.
maybe check runout when done.
good luck!
I agree with doing most of the wiggling at the 9 & 3:00 positions. This back and forth movement may help push the shoes inward (12 & 6:00 won't tend do that.) You may also want to try working the rotor out the 1/4" then rotating the axle a half turn and working at it again then repeat. This might put the shoes on a different part of the inner drum that will allow them to slide a bit more.
Thanks all! Got it off with the BFH and got everything working again! Turned out it was just the cable on both sides was frozen in the fittings. The nectar of the Gods (WD-40) and some persuasion was enough to break them free. Anti-Seize coated and put back together. All is working now as it should!
Stubborn rotor
