1. Safety First:
* Engage the parking brake firmly. This is crucial to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
* Chock the wheels. Use wheel chocks on the wheels that are *not* being worked on.
* Wear safety glasses. Brake dust is irritating.
* Use jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
2. Preparation:
* Locate the parking brake cable. You may need to loosen or disconnect it depending on the design. This usually involves a small cable adjuster.
* Remove the wheel. Use a lug wrench to remove the lug nuts and carefully remove the wheel.
3. Drum Removal:
* Inspect the drum. Sometimes, rust or corrosion can weld the drum to the backing plate. If you see significant rust, you might need penetrating oil (like PB Blaster) applied liberally to the drum's mating surface with the backing plate. Let it soak for a while (at least 15-30 minutes).
* Tap the drum. Use a rubber mallet or a soft-faced hammer to gently tap the drum all around its circumference. Try to tap evenly to avoid damaging the drum or backing plate. Start at the top and work your way around. Sometimes just a few gentle taps will break it loose.
* If it's stuck: If tapping doesn't work, you might need to use a brake drum puller. These tools are available at most auto parts stores and are specifically designed for this purpose. Follow the instructions that come with the puller carefully. Excessive force can damage the drum or backing plate.
4. After Drum Removal:
* Inspect the brake shoes and components. Once the drum is off, carefully inspect the brake shoes, springs, wheel cylinders, and other components for wear, damage, or corrosion. If you find anything worn or damaged, replace the necessary parts.
* Clean the area thoroughly. Remove any rust or debris before installing the new parts (if any are needed) or reinstalling the drum.
Important Considerations:
* Rust: Rust is the biggest enemy in this process. Penetrating oil is your friend.
* Force: Avoid using excessive force, which can damage components.
* Brake Adjustment: After reassembly, you will likely need to adjust the brake shoes. This is typically done with a star-wheel adjuster located inside the backing plate. Your repair manual will show you how.
Again, I strongly recommend consulting a repair manual specific to your 1992 Dodge Dynasty before attempting this repair. Improperly performing brake work is dangerous. If you are not comfortable with this task, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
