Help getting rear drums off !!!!!!

[prayers1 153]

Bought the car after it sat for 4 years. I went to take the drums off and it wouldn't budge. I tried soaking it with PB Blaster, wire brushing around the axle and drum so that the PB can do it's thing, I even tried a sledge hammer to the drum. The axle to drum looks like its one piece but I know it's not.

 

I don't have a torch, just basic tools and I live in a rural area.

 

I haven't tried the adjusting nut, however the axle turns easy on both sides and I can't get both sides off.

 

What to do?

[LiLMike 42]

If I understand you correctly then all you have to do is use the adjusting wheel to collapse the brake shoes then use your hammer to force it off. Sounds like the drum is rusted to the brake shoes.

[jmlay 80]

Go to your local home store or hardware store & buy a small torch & a bottle of MAP gas, the yellow bottle. Heat it up a couple of time & I bet a couple of blows with a hammer will get them off.

[prayers1 153]

The motor and trans are out. I tied a strap to the car and pulled it around the yard (I have a few acres of land) and thought that would unfreeze the drums. Afterwards, the drums rotated free. I thought since they spun easy that I didn't need to mess with the adjuster. It's been a while since I last worked on drum brakes.

 

Also, I replaced the master cylinder yesterday, but could't open the 1/4" bleeder screw on the left front. It appears the prior PO stripped it and it's almost impossible to get at. I'll more than likely will need to replace the wheel cylinders. Time ran out yesterday, but I assume with front drum brakes since it's been ages since I've done something like this that I'd have to pull the bearing & drum off to get to the wheel cylinder????

 

I haven't had any of the drums off since owning the car (4 months) I'd like to replace all wheel cylinders, pads and if needed brake hardware. I just gotta get those drums off.

 

It'll be a few days before I can attempt anything, I'll use the above ideas and if anyone else has some thought , Please advise.

THANKS!

[LiLMike 42]

Unless you are going for a 100 point car, I would trash the drums and put disc brakes all around. Much better for todays driving and a lot safer too!

[RogerC 136]

Even if they turn freely, there could be a lip on the edge preventing the drums from sliding over the shoes. Back off the adjusters, soak the drum axle joint and the wheel lugs at the drum with your PB Blaster. Then, using a heavy punch or drift and hammer, smack the drum between the wheel lugs. That usually breaks it loose from the axle flange.

[prayers1 153]

On a budget for now. Just got the motor and trans rebuilt, next body and interior, so specialty items will have to come last.

 

RacerX, very good idea. I'll give a wack at it when I get back to the car.

 

Thanks for all replys!

[Desert_69 11]

Even if they turn freely, there could be a lip on the edge preventing the drums from sliding over the shoes. Back off the adjusters, soak the drum axle joint and the wheel lugs at the drum with your PB Blaster. Then, using a heavy punch or drift and hammer, smack the drum between the wheel lugs. That usually breaks it loose from the axle flange.

 

:stupid:

[Burn 14]

Make sure your ebrake isnt stuck on.

[RogerC 136]

Make sure your ebrake isnt stuck on.

 

Good point!

[69gmachine 15]

Even a small lip will make it hard to get off because it tends to get cockeyed trying to pull it off. Make sure you collapse the shoes as far as you can with the adjusting wheel.

[prayers1 153]

Well just got back and was able to take off the front and rear drums.

The front was able to come off after backing off the adjuster.

For the rear, I couldn't find the adjuster, so I had to pry the drum off a little at a time with 3 screwdrivers, tons of PB Blaster and wacks of the hammer.

 

Lucky for me that the rear was hard to get off. I found a cracked wheel cylinder, the adjuster star was in pieces and the brake pads fell to crumbs.

 

Since I just replaced the master cylinder, I was just going to bleed the brakes, throw the drivetrain in and go. Now I'll have to do an entire brake hardware, wheel cylinder and pad update. This will give me an excuse to paint the backing, drums and suspension.

 

Thank you RacerX and to all who replied. I'm sure during this build I'll be posting more help questions.

 

Have a Happy & Safe 4th of July!