I was inspecting my drums and noticed the grease cap had fell off. So I put a HAMMER to it and put it back in place but is still loose. Should I buy a new one? Any tips and pointers on how to install the grease cap? I looked in the repair manual and all it mentioned was to put the cap on or off. It never really stated how. I also want to replace my drum brake pads. how complicated is that?
Yes - Replace it; And never hammer it again. Tap it lightly with a small wrench or screw driver. The shoes are easy. Just need the spring tool (don't know the propper name) and an old Chilton's manual and it's cake... (just don't lick the icing ) EDIT - Guess you really don't even need the Chiltons as any generic online manual will do. They haven't changed much over the years.
be carefull when you take off the drum it will all explode out all over the ground you will panic and not know what to do ,Ha Ha Ha, no it is really easy just do one side at a time so you know what goes were
I use a section of exhaust tube to insall the caps. The last caps I bought I had to bevel the edge to get them to fit the rotor. I think the proper name for the "spring tool" is brake spring tool.
...and remember that from one side to the other will be backwards... what is on the left will be on the right on the other side... ......
You have to remove the cotter pin and nut to get the drum off on the front wheels.The outer wheel bearing will come out when you remove the drum as well. I have to be honest here with you...If you have never done drum brakes before,Get someone who knowes what they are doing to help you through it.It is simple but...There are subtle nuances that need to be addressed when you do the job.The front especially need to be right the first time since they supply 80 percent of the cars stopping ability.By all means learn to do em but get help for the first time out.Good luck!!!
That made me laugh. Rotor = disc brakes, drum = drum brakes. Either way, you have to remove the grease cap and remove the cotter pin, stamped steel castle doo hickey, the big nut, and then you can pull the drum off. Upon reassembly, you'll have to repack the bearings and then reseat them, then torque the nut to the proper specs. Someone here should have the proper torque spec for that, and the procedure. I personally just do it by "feel". Wheel bearings are cheap, might as well put some new bearings in while you have it apart. edit: mavman beat me to it!
I guess i should have said "The last Grease Caps I bought I had to bevel the edge of the cap to get them to fit back in the hole because the OD was bigger than the ID."
DITTO Mavman again....... Get some help so they get done and adjusted properly. If you get on the brakes hard and they arent set up properly it'll put you in the curb or worse.
