Kadett E brake drum removal

[mikev]

I'm trying to remove the rear brake drum from a Kadett E 1.3N (april 1989). I released the hand brake (the wheel is turning without difficulty so the brakes are not engaged) and removed the small securing screw from the front side of the drum. But I can't pull off the drum. With all the efforts, it will move for only 2-3 mm. On the backplate I found 2 small rubber plugs, but I have no idea what I suppose to do next to remove the brake drum.
Thank you!

[gr_diver]

Hello new friend of the forum. Unfortunately this forum is about Opels (GT, Kadett, Manta/ 1900 (Ascona)) that were imported to the U.S. from 1964 to 1975. Your '89 Kadett is much later, so there are major differences with the models discussed here.

But, from a Haynes manual, covering Manta / Ascona B up to 1988, there is a description as follows:

"To facilitate drum removal, remove the plug from the backplate and, using the flat of a screwdriver, push the handbrake shoe lever until the stop pin slides down the side of the shoe web. This will cause the shoes to retract further and enable the drum to be removed".

I do not know of this is of any help. but you could try it... It basically instructs to push the handbrake lever as forward as possible through the hole behind the rubber plug on the backplate.

It is also common for drum brakes to have a plug on the backing plate, that behind it there is a adjuster with splines. Imagine it like seeing a 2-3 cm long gear from the side. Rotating it up/down with a flat screwdriver you make the shoes retract further to facilitate drum removal.

I do not know if any of these are actually of help to you, but you might want to check them out.

I hope they are of help!

[heimue]

Manta/Ascona is a completely different rear axle than the Kadett E (rear wheel vs. front wheel drive). If you already can move the drum a little bit like you described, it can only hang on the brake shoes. Wiggle and/or tap it out, using a medium sized hammer.

Dieter