Rear brake drum removal 1992 mercury tracer

Drum brakes are self adjusting. Every time you put on the brakes while backing up, they tighten. If you just replaced the shoes, just do this a bunch of times and they will tighter themselves

Hello Rippgut.
The PCM is mounted in the console.
The park brake and shifter console needs to be removed to access it.
Also the 4 screws that hold down the shifter need to be removed.

I hope your repair goes well.
Thank you for using FixYa.
KL

Without being hurtful in any way

If you have to ask a general question
about brakes,that implies you have never
done brake work,I would suggest you don't

Use the repair shop and watch as they perform the job

on the caliper thare is a bleeder screw. you will need to open and close it.have someone step on the brake pedal 10 times and hold it down.with the brake holding,,open the bleeder screw.let it run for 2 seconds,then close off the bleeder.Pump and hold down the pedal again.Do this 35 times

Yes, Undo the 32mm nut, first. And, don't get the bearings dirty with dust from the brake drums, or , if you do, replace the inner and outer bearings with new greased up ones. REAR DRUM BRAKES Brake Drums REMOVAL & INSTALLATION CAUTION
Brake linings contain asbestos. Asbestos is a known cancer-causing agent. When working on brakes, remember that the dust which accumulates on the brake parts and/or in the drum contains asbestos. Always wear a protective face covering, such as a painter's mask, when working on the brakes. NEVER blow the dust from the brakes or drum.

1. Raise the vehicle and support safely.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
3. On vehicles without rear bearing hub, remove the dust cap, cotter pin, nut lock, wheel bearing nut and washer from the spindle. Remove the outer wheel bearing. Remove the drum with the inner wheel bearing from the spindle. If the drum is difficult to remove, remove the plug from the rear of the backing plate and push the self adjuster lever away from the star wheel. Rotate the star wheel to retract the shoes. Remove the grease seal.
4. If equipped with a rear bearing hub, remove the drum by removing the retainer screws from the drum and pulling the drum from the hub assembly. If the drum is difficult to remove, remove the plug from the rear of the backing plate and push the self adjuster lever away from the star wheel. Rotate the star wheel to retract the shoes. To install:
   
5. On vehicles equipped without rear bearing hub, lubricate and install the inner wheel bearing. Install a new grease seal. Install the drum to the spindle. Lubricate and install the outer wheel bearing, washer and nut. Adjust the bearing preload following the procedure outlined in the "Rear Wheel Bearing'' of this section. When the bearing preload is properly set, install the nut lock and a new cotter pin. Install the grease cap.
6. On vehicles with rear bearing hub, install the brake drum to the hub assembly and install the retaining screws.
7. Install the wheel and tire assembly. Adjust the rear brakes as required.
8. Apply the brakes until a firm pedal is obtained, prior to moving the vehicle.

don't have topaz. maybe escort will help guide you.

Section 04-02: Suspension and Wheel Hubs, Rear 1996 Escort, Tracer Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly NOTE: Wheel bearings are not serviceable and should therefore be replaced as an assembly with the wheel hub (1104).

Removal

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
   

1. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
   

1. Remove the hub grease cap (1131) from the wheel hub.
   

1. If equipped with disc brakes, remove the rear disc brake caliper (2552) and rear disc brake rotor (2C026). Refer to Section 06-04 for the removal procedure.
   

1. If equipped with drum brakes, remove the two brake drum screws and the brake drum (1126).
   

1. Unstake the rear axle wheel hub retainer (4B477) securing the wheel hub to the rear wheel spindle (4A013). Remove and discard the rear axle wheel hub retainer.
   
2. Remove the wheel hub from the rear wheel spindle.

you need to turn the adjuster
there is a little hole on the bottom of your backen plate to ajust the brakes up

Removal & Installation

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
   
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
   
3. Remove the drum retaining nuts, if equipped, and remove the brake drum.
   

If the drum will not come off, pry the rubber plug from the backing plate. Insert a narrow rod through the hole in the backing plate and disengage the adjusting lever from the adjusting screw. While holding the adjustment lever away from the screw, back off the adjusting screw with a brake adjusting tool. Be careful not damage the notches in the adjusting screw or the self-adjusting mechanism will not function properly.

1. Inspect the brake drum for scoring and wear. Replace or machine as necessary. If machining, observe the maximum diameter specification.
   

To install:

1. If a new drum is being installed, remove the protective coating from the drum using brake cleaner. Sand the drum lightly and wipe with a cloth soaked in denatured alcohol.
   
2. Adjust the brake shoes according to the procedure in this Section.
   
3. Install the brake drum and the wheel and tire assembly.
   
4. Lower the vehicle.
   

http://www.chiltonlibrary.com/content/images/8665/images/86659045.pdf

http://www.chiltonlibrary.com/content/images/8665/images/86659046.pdf

The 2 links are diagrams for shoe placement and the automatic brake adjuster.
Be sure to have the drums turned before installing the brake shoes.

Hope this answers your question. Best of luck on your repair.
Greg

remove screws and tap or hit with happer becarefull not hit wheel studs and dont inhale the brake dust when you hit the drum body

1. Remove the turn signal and windshield wiper switch.
2. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.
3. Remove the two ignition key reminder switch screws.
4. Remove the ignition switch screws and remove the ignition switch.

Installation

To install, reverse the removal procedure. Check for proper operation of the ignition switch.