Hi from Normandy, The backplates on the rear brakes of my 2000 Blazer are rusted badly. I have received replacement parts from Rock Auto but it would appear that I have to remove the half shafts to fit the new parts. Does anyone know of a simpler method?

Thanks

 

I don't think there's any other way to do it. Removing the rear axles isn't too difficult (unless I'm mistaken). Besides, you'll probably want to change the axle seals and R. differential gear oil and cover gasket while you're at it. Just be sure to use the proper gear oil for your diff if it's a limited slip type. Or, if in doubt, just use L.S. approved gear oil (which is good for both L.S. and non-L.S. type diffs.

 

i have carefully cut the backing plate so that it may be slipped on without removing the axle.

 

I just paid somebody to replace mine along with the axle seals and diff cover and gasket. I may have tried it myself but I just didn't have the time.

 

Stangerock - did you just cut a slot in the plate or did you remove a section? I was thinking of this method but was not sure where to cut the plate


Luckily all the seals are 'dry' so don't want to have to remove the axles.

Thanks all for your replies.

 

Funny. Mine were rusted up pretty bad. Last time I serviced my rear brakes I just chipped away all the rusting off surroundings and have been rocking it like that since then without issues :P I can see it being a problem if the area around where the e-brake hardware goes starts rusting away though...

 

Mine got so bad that my e-brake hardware fell off on the driver's side.

 

Blazen red 4x4, what size spacers do you use and does it line up with the front tires decent?

 

Boots , Mine were so bad that I had to change them before my out of province inspection and I didn't have the room to pull the axles. I cut them so as you couldn't really see the cut because of the hardware and e brake shoe's , the new ones were black so i used a dab of hi temp black sealant just to close the micro gap.

 

1.25" I think they are, I don't recall as I've been running them for almost 3 years now, but the rear is still just a little narrower than the front, although it's only noticeable if you're looking for the difference... I want to buy some 1.5's and see if that evens it out a little more.