Nissan Repair: NIssan Altima Rear Drums, nissan altima, cotter pin

Question
Trying to change rear brakes on The Altima and can not remove the rear drums. Any Tips?

Answer
Mark,

Depending on the year of your Altima the drums are part of the bearing assembly.  That is, the center cap of the drum will have to be removed to get to the cotter pin where you can take the nut off thereby allowing the drum to be removed.  If this is accomplished and the drum will not come off then the shoes have worn a groove into the drum and that is what is holding the drums on.  You will need to take the rubber plug off the back side of the drum to gain access to the adjuster.  Take a small screwdriver and hold the adjuster clip off the adjuster and get another screwdriver to turn the star wheel to take the tension off the shoes.  This will allow the drum to be removed.  Look on the back sid eof the drum and you will see the plug.  If the car is really new and the brakes have never been done before I have seen them where there is a small metal plate that has been stamped where the rubber plug would go.  Just push this with a screwdriver and this will bend out of the way to get access to the adjuster.  Be really sure that the wheels are chocked and the car is supported really well with jackstands before you ever get you or any part of you under the car.  This is expecially important when you are trying to get something like a brake drum off...