VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Brake Drum Removal

I have a problem with a front brake drum...I need to remove it, but the shoes are just barely touching...And I can't seem to back them off...I'm just tearing off the adjuster nubs ( old & stuck ) Any suggestions...? Thanks Kevin

Have you removed the nut on the spindle and taken the outer bearing out? That makes things a bit easier to wiggle and pry it off.

Kevin
Are the drums rotating?? If not you might have to tap them with a rubber harmer to separate them from the linings (they are seized).
If they rotate the drums might be fastened with 3 rivets that you have to drill out to separate them.
Another chance is ( if they rotate ) that they might be badly warn so the linings have made grooves in the drum that keeps them from sliding out in this case you have to backup the adjusters of the wheel cylinders so they get the space to clear the ridges.Hope this helps.
P S rereading your post most chance is the rivets

Jianis

Kevin,

All good advice so far.

If you are breaking off the nubs then you've got a real problem. But take heart. Make sure you're e trying to turn the nubs in the right direction. When looking at the end of the wheel cylinder (not seen because of the drum) remember the proper direction. Counter clockwise is the direction you want the nubs to turn to release the shoes.

Take a two screwdrivers and reach behind the drum at 180 degrees apart and keep working back and forth with pressure against the drum. Eventually you will work it off. Also, release the brake bleed screw. You're going to need to clean the cylinders up anyway and will need to bleed them upon reinstallation.

If all trials fail, take a big sledge hammer a bust the drums. They are cast and will break. Problem solved. Spare drums and hubs are a dime a dozen.

Good luck,
Charlie

BTW: Don't get impatient. And, don't worry about messing up the internal parts with the screw drivers. You ain't gonna hurt nothing.

Thanks,Guys...I'll try loosening the bleed screw and tapping/wiggling the drum...Some more. With greater persuasion...

All the other Drums came off easy...All parts/shoes etc. appear new, clean and no leaks...I recently purchased all new lines, wheel cylinders, even a master cylinder, but was amazed to find what wonderful condition things were in, well at least on the other three wheels...

Whacked that sucker ( drum ) with a heavy lead hammer, several times on each side...It practically fell off...! Thanks, Again Kevin