VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Stuck Brake Wheel Cylinder

Hello Everyone,
Just bought a 1946 Chevy 3/4 ton Kansas farm truck that had been sitting around for a long time. Got the engine running and now working on the brakes. Can't get the drum off one of the rear wheels. Had the same problem on the front but was able to adjust the wheel cylinders with a screw driver through those tiny windows in the back and back the pads off. Can't get the cylinders to turn, they seem completely locked up. Sprayed it with penetrating fluid and let it sit but still nothing. The wheel turns but not easily. Any ideas?
Thank you

Unbolt the wheel cylinders from behind the backing plate if possible.

Welcome! I'll move this to a technical forum for you.

Not sure on a 46 but this has worked for me on both an 01 Chrysler Searing and on 04 Chevy Colorado.

1. Adjusted the shoes inward
2. Sprayed PB Blaster into the space around the studs.
3. Put the lug nuts on the end of each stud to protect them
4. Lightly hit the drum in-between each stud with a hammer in a circular pattern

After a bit this loosened up the drum enough to get it off. Eventually you could see it move just a bit [bleeped] you went around it.

Thanks.
Still figuring this out.

Thanks for your reply.
Is there a way to adjust the shoes besides the wheel cylinders?

Thanks for your reply.
I thought of that but don't know if it will move out of the way since it is held captive by the brake shoes.

I would start with Gene's (Chev Nut) suggestion first.

Got it off! Thanks for all your suggestions. Was able to work the drum out far enough that I could push down on one side of the wheel cylinder and pry it off the brake shoe.

Glad you figured it out. Where there's a will there's a way.