Before You Begin:
* Safety First: Wear safety glasses and gloves. Brake work involves sharp edges and potentially hazardous fluids.
* Gather Tools: You'll need a wheel wrench, lug wrench, jack and jack stands, socket set (including deep sockets), C-clamp (or equivalent for drum compression), brake drum puller (highly recommended), possibly a hammer and punch, and a torque wrench.
* Preparation: Loosen the lug nuts *before* jacking up the car. Safely jack up the vehicle and secure it on jack stands. Remove the wheel.
Installation Steps:
1. Clean the Spindle and Backing Plate: Thoroughly clean the brake drum mounting surface (spindle) and the backing plate. Remove any rust, debris, or old grease.
2. Inspect Brake Components: Carefully inspect the brake shoes, wheel cylinders, and other components for wear or damage. Replace any worn or damaged parts.
3. Compress the Brake Shoes: This is crucial. Use a C-clamp or a specialized brake shoe compressor tool to push the brake shoes inward, creating enough space to install the drum. This step prevents the drum from binding and ensures proper fitment.
4. Install the Drum: Carefully align the drum onto the wheel studs. It should slide on relatively easily. If it's difficult, re-check your brake shoe compression. Avoid forcing it on, as this can damage components.
5. Tighten the Lug Nuts: Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite nuts first) to ensure even pressure and prevent warping the drum. Do not overtighten.
6. Check for Rotation: After tightening the lug nuts, spin the drum by hand to check for free rotation. It should turn smoothly without any binding or friction.
7. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
8. Final Tightening: Once the car is on the ground, tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque using a torque wrench.
9. Brake Adjustment: Some adjustment may be necessary after the drum installation. Consult your repair manual for the correct procedure.
Important Considerations:
* Brake Drum Puller: A brake drum puller is highly recommended for removing the drum. Attempting to remove it without one can damage the drum or backing plate.
* Wheel Bearings: While not directly part of drum installation, inspect the wheel bearings while you have the wheel off. Pack with fresh grease if necessary (consult your manual).
* Brake Fluid: If you've done any brake work, check and top off the brake fluid reservoir.
* Professional Help: If you are not comfortable performing this repair, it's best to have a qualified mechanic do it. Brake safety is paramount.
Remember to always consult a 1965 Pontiac GTO specific repair manual for detailed instructions and torque specifications. This information is a general guide and may not cover all variations. Improper brake maintenance can lead to serious accidents.
