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Popped the drums open today to replace shoes and install new handbrake cables. The weather has really got in there, the adjusters are seized solid. Any advice? New backplates and the best place to buy?

Also took it into a mechanic for bushes a few days ago - managed the front alright but he said the 4 rear trailing arm bushes are a bastard and he can't get to them cause everything is seized up rotten and he might need to drop the rear subframe! He said that'll be at least a days labour. Am I better off just getting a new/good condition used rear subframe, blasting it and covering in hammerite?

Any and all advice very much appreciated!

Well i have a spare set of rear arms with the drums attached. Im sure they were not siezed but they have been sat in my lockup for just over a year. id see how much new stuff costs first though.

Your mechanic will need to drop the axle as he cannot use fire so close to the tanks. that is an all day job cos even that is a complete pain in the backside.

I think I have some usable backplates but new ones are not too expensive and probably a good investment.

Re subframe bushes, start spraying WD40 etc on the bolts on a regular basis, next time they will hopefully come undone. You're welcome to come down to my workshop next time I am there and we can have a go with the impact guns etc. Just make sure they've been well and truly soaked.

Jim

My rear brake adjusters were seized and when i priced new back plates up they were about £40+ each so i cut the adjusters off and fitted e28 518i brake shoes and automatic adjusters....not many e28's down the scrappies these days so can't see this being a option now...edd..

Thanks for the advice. Will try the cheapest and easiest option first - WD40.