Rusted TIGHT rear drum removal?

[pocketrocket]

I will be installing rear disc brakes if I can get the old drums off! I have taken everything up to a 10 lb. sledge and they won't budge even a little. I have checked the trans, and it's not in gear, but there is not ANY play in the drum at all. My question is that if I am getting rid of the old back plate anyway, can I cut thru it and , with the spindle nut off, will the whole assembly come off? Does anybody have any other ideas? I really need some help. Thanks to all for any response!!!!! Oh, by the way, the engine is not in the car. I tried using a makeshift puller but it only pushes the axle in!

[Doogie S]

pocketrocket,

I bought a huge 3 jaw puller (from a discount tool place) to pull the drums off a car that sat for around 15 year that I was restoring.

Just take the spindle nut off, soak the stub axel in penetrating oil for a few days and use the puller to get the drums off. Whatever you do, DON"T STAND IN FRONT OF THE DRUM!

I've had one come off and shoot across the garage and leave an impact crater in the opposite wall of the garage!

This is a better solution than cutting up you backing plates and pounding on the back side of the drums with a hammer.

Worked for me anyway.

Cheers,



Doug

[pocketrocket]

Thanks for your reply, Doogie, but I forgot to mention that the engine is not in the car! I tried using a makeshift puller but it just pushed the axle in!

[starmember]

get a old rim bolt it on an and then pull and bang it with a hammer works 4 me

[Dennis]

Try bolting the wheel and tire back on. Grab the tire and pull it on one side then the other. Apply some WD-40 to the splines and heat the drum with a propane torch. Be patient, it will come off.

One other thing. Make sure the the brake adjusters are backed off.

If all else fails you can cut it off with a cutting torch or an angle grinder and cutoff wheel.

Good luck.

[Doogie S]

Forgive my ignorance, pocketrocket, but if the axle pushes in, isn't that the same as the drum coming forward?

Given, if there is enough clearance behind it for the axle to be removed.

I forgot about the adjusters, but that a very valid point to remember.

I guess it comes down to how violent a mood you’re in...


Doug

[NO_H2O]

Brake adjusters backed off, penetrating oil on the spline, some heat(map gas torch) on the drum snout, wheel on so you can grab it, pull on the wheel and have someone hit the stub axle (with a nut started on it some you don't damage the threads). If you have a rivit gun or air hammer with a flat set/hammer in it it will brake up th rust quickly with the vibrating blows.