Suspension & Brake for the 280Z
Subject: '77 Z Rear Suspension and Brake Problem.

Zak wrote:.

Hey ZDoc, my 5 speed is working great now in my Z, but I needed to do my brakes before I could start driving regularly. So I've replaced the front calipers now (which were smashed with a hammer even as I drove up to buy the car). However, moving on to the drums, the left drum is frozen up and won't come off . . . anyway, I resorted to force after a long argument with the car. Now I have to remove the whole drum/hub/strut assembly and I'm proceeding. Unfortunately the control arm lock bolt won't come out for me so I can remove the "spindle" bolt..

So the question is, how does this lock bolt work? (I've removed the nut and it appears that the lock bolt is some kind of pin driven through the top of the "spindle bush housing" as the English Haynes calls it) anyway, I've been trying to hammer it out from the bottom but nothing happens..

Thanks a lot . . . and I plan to bring a couple transmissions to your shop this summer-- by the way, I saw a "zdoc rebuilt engine" in the Sacramento Bee the other day . . . you're gettin' famous!
See ya,
Zak in Sacramento
ZAKS280@aol.com.

Doc Replies:.

Hi Zak,.

Doc here, just remove the strut assembly at the inner pivots and don't try to remove the lock taper pin. It will amaze you how easy it will be to take it out. I don't resort to this method to remove the frozen drums and it sounds like you are really into a can of worms. I use a 4# dead blow hammer and strike the face of the drum near the center between the wheel studs..

I hit the drum like Babe Ruth would go after a Home Run! If that doesn't move it then hit the opposite side. Be sure to spray some breakaway alongside the studs and the center of the drum hub area..

I hope that this helps you..................

ZDOC OUT.