Rear brake drum removal

[rafriesen]

I was unable to get my rear drums off on my 47 business coupe. Broke pullers, used heat, air hammar and a 3lb sledge. It would not come off even with shoes backed off. I took 3 2 1/2 inch fine thread bolts left and right and ran them thru the lug holes and tightened the down and one wack with the sledge and off the came. The bolts hit a flat steel plate in the drum and did not damage anything. New idea or not it worked great.

[greg g]

good tip. Can ou regreat it and perhaps post a coupel of pics?

[JIPJOBXX]

Did you use a hub puller? If you didn't I would suggest you got down to a good rental store and rent one. Those three leg type are just to light for your operation.

[aero3113]

Lucky....Here is what happened to me a few months back. Took a lot of heat and banging to get it off.Had to drill the drum off of the hub. I have a very good puller it pulled the lug bolts right out of the hub. I had to use grade 8 bolts and nuts to get it off and the puller bent them . I am sure glad that part of the project is over

[rafriesen]

Will try and get some pictures tommorrow I hope. As far as a puller I broke two of them so I think I put plenty of energy into it. The back side of backing plates was caked with tons of old grease and dirt so it is apparent that it has been a long time since they have been off. On top of that the shoes were in backwards. Where is the best place to get cyl's and shoes at a decent price.

PS: brakes are a real pain to work on.

Edited December 29, 2009 by rafriesen

[greg g]

We've talked about this on a couple occasions, but you might give a thought to seperating the drum ffrom the hub. there is really no reason for them to be riveted together. one or two of the rivet holes could be tapped and a couple screws inserted to keep the hub and drum oriented. But the wheel lugs will keep the assembly clamped together on the axle. Next time brake service is needed, the drum could then be easily dismounted from the hub leaving it in place.

You might also want to check the Graham Paige club's site, they have an article in their repair section showing how to make a home made centering and adjusting gauge/tool.

Other have cut a slot. or drilled a hole in the hub to allow for the insertion of a feeler gauge between the shoe and drum to make adjustment a much simpler affair. with those items adressed, brake repair ad adjustment is rendered a much more reasonable chore.