Dodgebawl Posted June 7, 2012 Report Posted June 7, 2012 This evening I started to remove the rear brake drums on a 53 half ton rear end housing so that I can remove the axles. I noticed that there is a key inserted between the axle and the brake drum as seen in the attached picture. I did not proceed with the removal until I know what to do about the key. I have researched the forum on rear brake drum removal and have not seen this key mentioned. Is it supposed to be removed before the drum can be removed and if so how is the key removed? Thanks! Quote
Jerry Roberts Posted June 7, 2012 Report Posted June 7, 2012 When you remove the drum , the key will just fall away loose . So pull the drum and don't worry about the key . Quote
texas275 Posted June 7, 2012 Report Posted June 7, 2012 The key is the least of your worries. Just getting the drum off is the hard part. Not a big deal if you have the proper puller, but if you dont have the proper puller, get one. Quote
HanksB3B Posted June 7, 2012 Report Posted June 7, 2012 (edited) There are better ones out there, but this one works very well on my half ton. What I especially like about it is that once in it's case it fits very well under my seat along with my Sears trucker tool boxes. I have just enough tools to service just about anything on the road. Have fun (wear safety goggles), Hank Edited June 7, 2012 by HanksB3B Quote
1952B3b23 Posted June 7, 2012 Report Posted June 7, 2012 Hey Hank, how much did you pay for that puller? Quote
Young Ed Posted June 7, 2012 Report Posted June 7, 2012 If you can find the one in the tutorial pictures its the one to get. Made by snap on/bluepoint. I've used it many times and never had it fail me nor had to resort to heat. Quote
HanksB3B Posted June 7, 2012 Report Posted June 7, 2012 Hey Hank, how much did you pay for that puller? but at the time I needed it. I think it could be grabbed less expensively off eBay $49 was o.k. but the $14 shipping and $6 tax made the whole purchase $20 more than it should have been. What Ed says about the Snap-On one is true. I'm not sure they still make them which means it'll be an eBay treasure hunt. I didn't have the time to wait. Good Luck, Hank Quote
Young Ed Posted June 7, 2012 Report Posted June 7, 2012 I believe I saw them on their site a few years ago but I couldn't find one now. If I recall the snap on one was over $300 then. I think I paid about $60 for my used one and Dad has 2 that go back to when he owned his own shop. So should be set for a while...... Quote
HanksB3B Posted June 7, 2012 Report Posted June 7, 2012 (edited) Well $300 puts my $70 in perspective. If I ran a brake shop no doubt I would go for the Snap-on. But now I feel a little better, Hank Edited June 8, 2012 by HanksB3B Quote
Dodgebawl Posted June 7, 2012 Author Report Posted June 7, 2012 Thanks guys for your prompt information. I just ordered off ebay a new removal tool like the one pictured in Hank's reply. Cost was $70 plus $20 shipping and this was the least expensive one I found. Quote
HanksB3B Posted June 7, 2012 Report Posted June 7, 2012 Now all you need is a BFH! (and a little patience helps too) Hank Quote
Andydodge Posted June 8, 2012 Report Posted June 8, 2012 Just a hint.......when you get the drum off, inspect the key to see if it has any "wear" or been pounded on one side.....if it is not in perfect condition get another, they are 3/8th from memory and you usually can buy it in 12" lengths and cut to size......anyway removal of a rear brake drum on a mopar is part of the mopar ininiation rite.......have fun.............andyd Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.