I've seen a few threads asking questions about rear drum removal. Since there didn't seem to be a DIY I thought I'd go ahead and take a few pics when I took mine off yesterday.
Here are the only tools you will need for rear drum removal on a 1st Gen xB:
1) jack
2) jack stand (not pictured)
3) wheel chock (not pictured)
4) 4-way lug wrench - I have the 18" enkei wheels with the lock nut so you can also use a 1/2" drive with 21mm socket
5) 2- 10mm (not sure of thread pitch as I just happened to have these two laying around) bolts
6) 10mm socket
7) Big hammer
8 ) WD-40
1) Chock front wheel first. While this may not be the ideal jack point, it worked for me. Lift vehicle just enough for tire to clear the ground and place jackstand for safety. Then, using the 4-way and/or the 1/2" drive ratchet, remove the wheel.
2) Spray liberal amount of WD-40 around studs and center of drum and allow to soak. Time will vary. The WD-40 helps to loosen any rust and aids in drum removal. This is the step that you may need to 2- 10mm bolts OR the hammer, depending on how long it's been since the drums were last removed. After the WD-40 has soaked in well, tap the drum in several different spots with the hammer. This will usually knock the drum loose from the studs and it will pull right off. Not mine. You will notice two holes inside the area where the studs are. Insert a bolt into each hole. Using the 10mm socket and 1/2" drive ratchet, slowly tighten each bolt. Alternate between bolts so that you won't put too much pressure on one side of the drum and risk damage to it.
Shortly you will see the drum begin to move away from the rear plate. Once it's moved away evenly, you can pull the drum off by hand.
At this point the drum has been removed and you have full access to the rear brakes. My brakes are fine so I'm not doing those right now. I pulled my drums off to be powder coated. Those pics will be up tomorrow after I hobble out and get some in the daylight. I busted my knee last night when I missed a step and fell off my ladder while I was putting up some lights in the garage.
Hope this helps someone!
-Kevin
