90 Voyager rear shoe replacement

[meddling kid]

Hi guys,

can this be done without the "special tools" listed in the shop manual? Any tips or tricks? I just need to replace the shoes - thanks for any help!

[135sohc]

Yes but having the spring pliers makes it alot easier to hook/unhook the top and bottom springs.

[firebaron90]

Did it last week with cobra241. Tool was invaluable. I think they can be borrowed from autozone. OH, and unless the springs are new and shiny, I would suggest picking up the spring kit and the adjusters. The kit is 7.99, and the adjuster kits are 10.00 a side. If your keeping them for a while, new wheels cylinders are 11.99 each.

Joe

[meddling kid]

thanks guys - I haven't looked inside the hub yet - is there a secret to removing them? Apparently there's something you twist to take the brake tension off the drum?

[turbovanman²]

They sure help.

Also, I do this on all the TD's. Drive down the wheel studs with a brass punch, this free's the drum so its now removable, then grind out the drum holes and it will slip of the stud knurl, then drive the studs back using the back side.

If doing rears, as said, replace wheel cylinders and I would also replace the spring kit and wire adjuster. You MUST have the drums machined otherwise you can't adjust them properly and you'll get a crappy pedal.

[meddling kid]

so if you're putting ine new shoes, you need to get the hub machined?

[firebaron90]

Simon, I didnt cut the drums, and I still get good pedal feel. I didint cut them because they were looking thin, and they are 54.00 a piece. I am on the fence about the disc conversion, so I wanted to keep the investment as cheap as possible (my wheel cylinders were gone, and so were the brake lines) but still be safe. I have about 80.00 invested total in new parts.

Joe

[turbovanman²]

so if you're putting ine new shoes, you need to get the hub machined?

drums!!!!

[turbovanman²]

Simon, I didnt cut the drums, and I still get good pedal feel. I didint cut them because they were looking thin, and they are 54.00 a piece. I am on the fence about the disc conversion, so I wanted to keep the investment as cheap as possible (my wheel cylinders were gone, and so were the brake lines) but still be safe. I have about 80.00 invested total in new parts.

Joe

Its risky as if they have a ridge, you can't set them properly and drums wear in a concave pattern so the whole shoe doesn't touch.

Can it be done, yeah, it is optimal, no.

Thin is a relative word, you need to measure them, they do look thin.

[firebaron90]

I figure if i go drum, get a new set and some new shoes. If i go disc, then i am out a little, but my life wasnt worth the risk after we saw the condition of the brakes.

Joe

[meddling kid]

lol - sorry.......drums!