When I finally got the screws out of the drums, I replaced them with a similar countersunk socket head cap screw and used anti-sieze compound.
Printable View
When I finally got the screws out of the drums, I replaced them with a similar countersunk socket head cap screw and used anti-sieze compound.
My first impression was they may have been the clips the assembly line uses....once at a shop my brother worked at, a customer gave him a hard time until he put the clips back on cause if the factory installed them, they should be there, someone at the factory missed removing them...anyway, I wonder with the level of machining that went into this setup, drilling and beveling the drums and setting the threads in there, maybe there was more engineering involved in it for reason(s) which we havent uncovered....I guess better safe than sorry...
brute4c
I used a large screwdrive which completely filled the slot in the screw. I applied pressure to the screw driver w/ my body by holding the axle w/ one hand and pulling. I used the other hand to turn the screwdriver - I clamped on a some vice-grips for extra leverage. I took some force but all the screws came out. I did anti-seeze on before replacing them. I did not use a hand impact because I didn't have one - I may consider purchasing one in the future.
I guessing here, I believe the only function the screws play is to properly position the brake drum over the axel. I would not re-install my drums without them as I believe it could shorten the life of brake components if the drums were not centered.