E30 DRUM BRAKES

[CptBraithwaite]

Hi all,

I've recently bought a 320i Pre-facelift, it needs some work for an MOT, one part being the rear brakes.

I have hammered them to my hearts content but the drums won't freely rotate so I can't get them off, is there an adjuster if so which way should it be turned?! If anyone has had a similar issue please tell me and give me advice!

Kind regards,

Braithwaite

[Brianmoooore]

Try slackening off the cables at the handbrake first. It shouldn't make any difference, but since so many E30s have had their rear brakes 'adjusted' at some time by less than knowledgeable mechanics, it's worth a try.
The (automatic) adjuster lies just above the brake cylinder at the bottom of the drum, and is backed off by a screwdriver through a bolt hole. I think you slacken it by lifting the star wheel on the side nearest to the bolt hole.

[ChrisHC]

I today had a rear wheel bearing replaced as a result of an advisory on an MoT test. While doing that the mechanic found the hand brake shoes on that side were very worn. I presume that must be as a result of adjusting the hand brake up too tightly so that the shoes rub and wear?

[CptBraithwaite]

Thanks for the replies!

Which bolt hole I'll slacken the cables all the way off and lift the star wheel and see where I am then, there is what appears to be a sort of ratchet mechanism I could see through the hole is this for the handbrake?

[pianist]

Any bolt hole, just align it with the star looking adjuster and use flat screwdriver to move it up or down

[Brianmoooore]

Which bolt hole

Sorry, didn't make that clear - any of the wheel bolt holes.
A trick I've used in the past is to solder a small torch bulb, or high brightness white LED, to a piece of wire, poke it in through one of the other bolt holes, and connect it to a battery, so that it lights up the inside of the drum and you can see what you're doing much more easily.

[CptBraithwaite]

Okay thanks guys! Will try again when I can some free time and if I've turned the ratchet looking wheel am I up said creek without a paddle Is there a way to free the ratchet off?

[Brianmoooore]

Turning the wheel is freeing it off. If the brakes don't free off, you're probably turning it the wrong way.

[CptBraithwaite]

Thank you all for your help! Drums are off and in good nick, pads on the other hand... Where can I purchase some replacements from, trying to do this as cheaply but safely as possible as these stop the car!

[Brianmoooore]

Carparts4less is the best 'well known' on line source. They are the same outfit as Eurocarparts, but usually with lower prices.
Check out the discount codes on the home page for totals of £50, £75 and £100, or create an account, put the goods in your "basket", then log off without buying. This will usually result in an email the next day, offering a 7.5% discount.
If the site offers two or more alternatives for the parts you want, never buy the cheapest. These parts are aimed at back street garages trying to make a quick buck at the end customers expense.

[CptBraithwaite]

Thanks for the heads up! Another question, where is the fuel tank breather? I need to weld the O/S sub-frame mount but don't want to remove the tank if I can help it.