Nissan Repair: 92 nissan brakes, lithium grease, star wheel

Question
QUESTION: Hi, Havin' a bear of a time trying to back off the adjustment on the left rear wheel brake adjuster. wheel is locked now so cant remove drum. Here's a first question:  should that star wheel be turning clockwise, that is moving "down" when looked at through the slot on the backing plate; or up, counterclockwise, in order to loosen the brakes?
  The little thing that you must move away from the adjuster to free it to turn is more difficult to reach than any car i've worked on. is there a special tool? or did the last guy put it on wrong?
  Help from this dilemna would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance,   Jon

ANSWER: John,

Remember that they are mirror imaged.  Use the other side to see how the adjuster releases tension.  I like to use a cheap screwdriver.  Long, thin and easy to bend.  That is the one to get the clip to release.  Then another one to do the release.  Now, if all else fails you can use a puller and a hammer.  But, that usually means you get to replace the brake parts like clips and springs.  The drum will come off but it costs about $20 bucks for these parts plus the cost of the drum.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Von, i ended up finding 2 bolts that fit in the holes on the drum and gradually forcing it off. I had spent quite a bit of time trying to adjust them from the back. I made a couple of tools like you described, with the bend in them. I've never seen a car model with the clip you need to reach, directly behind the adjuster. After getting it off- no breakage, but i feared the worst, i saw that the adjuster could use some grease, which didnt make it any easier.

 quick question??-- I have lithium grease, its white, and it says its highly heat resistant. Can I use it?  i wont hold you responsible if its iffy- or do i need to spend more money for high temp grease for adjusters, caliper pins, brake shoe contacts.
         
         Thanks Von, i really appreciate your reply-

         jon

Answer
John,

THe lithium is not really intended for brakes as it will eventually flash off and evaporate.  You could coat the pins with it as a preventive measure.  Remember, the basic thing they are attempting with the high temp grease is to coat the slide part only to keep the brake parts from dragging.  So, just the contact points and you should be fine.  They will get a pepppering of brake dust and that should holt the grease in place.  I use a tooth pick to just apply the grease where it will work and nothing more.  You do not want it getting on the braking surfaces.