How to disassemble rear drum brakes on '82 750T?

[froldt]

I've got an '82 GS750T. Apparently the T's come with rear drum brakes. I'm pretty sure the shoes are worn out (based on the little indicator line thingie and the fact that there's no play in the lever).

I've got the rear wheel removed to change out the sprockets/chain, and decided to go ahead and check out the shoes. I can't get the brake cover removed to take a peek, though.
I pulled, pried, removed the axle... what am I missing?

Also, what is the value of a drum brake, as opposed to disc? Would it be worth switching (in the future) to rear disc brakes?

[chef1366]

Your brake shoes might be caught in a lip of the drum caused by wear. Try some lube if you can get it inside the drum. If you do this the pads will be shot then if they aren't now.

[scotto58]

If your 750 is like my 77 GS550 was, the brake lever is on the right side of the wheel. This whole section should just slide out of the hub. Beyond that, I agree with chef.

Scott

[txironhead]

I've got a rear disc on my GS750E, but I had rear drum on my Shadow and I had no problem stopping the bike. I used EBC shoes, kept them adjusted properly, and they worked great. If you still want to try to switch to disc you will probably need (minimum): new rim, disc, brackets, caliper, hose, master cylinder & reservoir, pads. You may also need a different brake pedal, mounts fabricated for aforementioned brackets, MC and reservoir, and possibly a different swingarm, but it's unlikely. Put new shoes in your drums and try them out. If you still decide to go disc, at least you'll have functioning brakes while you gather the parts.

[DimitriT]

If your 750 is like my 77 GS550 was, the brake lever is on the right side of the wheel. This whole section should just slide out of the hub. Beyond that, I agree with chef.

Scott

The assembly should just slide out from the hub as pointed out. I just grab it by the lever and lift it off. Maybe its binding up as it lifts off.. try rotating it to a different spot and lifting it there. If all else fails, turn the wheel over and shake it over a grassy spot.

[froldt]

The assembly should just slide out from the hub as pointed out. I just grab it by the lever and lift it off. Maybe its binding up as it lifts off.. try rotating it to a different spot and lifting it there. If all else fails, turn the wheel over and shake it over a grassy spot.

I'd say this is the point I've gotten to. I lifted and turned and pried and spun and lifted and... everything but lube the inside and just shake it out.

txironhead, I'm happy with the drum, I was just wondering what the differences were, and if it were enough to be worth trading out. It works fine for me, so I'll leave it as is.

Thanks, everybody! I'll post when I get some results.