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Brake drum stuck to hub?

Posted: 09 May 2017, 18:18
by bustrucket
I'm having some trouble getting one of the brake drums off, it turns freely so it's not stuck to the shoes and I've removed the two small bolts, but I still can't get it off the hub :(

Any suggestions? I've given it a few whacks with a small tapometer, but I don't want to give it too much in case I crack the drum!

Thanks

David

Re: Brake drum stuck to hub?

Posted: 09 May 2017, 18:26
by itchyfeet
back off adjusters then use larger tapometer, just use a piece of wood so you don't strike the drum directly.

Re: Brake drum stuck to hub?

Posted: 09 May 2017, 18:51
by what2do
I know it's not a perfect method but ease a small pry bar between the drum and the back plate, you can't apply much force as the back plate is only pressed steal. I've found in the past that a stuck drum (still rotates freely) snags on one particular place and this will be where the levering helps. Do as mentioned above and it will come off, lots of 'persuading' and bingo. Ps. I've never broken a cast drum and I've hit a few in my time.

Re: Brake drum stuck to hub?

Posted: 09 May 2017, 19:03
by itchyfeet
did I mention backing off adjusters?

Re: Brake drum stuck to hub?

Posted: 09 May 2017, 20:18
by colinthefox
I've ground three shallow dimples round the circumference of the drum so I can (just) grip it with a three legged puller. After backing off the adjusters of course! Drums come off for every pre-MOT check so they never get a chance to rust on.

Re: Brake drum stuck to hub?

Posted: 09 May 2017, 20:59
by captain Byrne
Make sure when you do get them off the backplates still run parallel to the wheel/hub. If they are bent, the shoes won't sit straight, you'll get uneven wear & possible overheating of the drum & break failure due to boiling brake fluid. I speak from experience - it took me ages to figure it out.

Re: Brake drum stuck to hub?

Posted: 10 May 2017, 18:17
by bustrucket
If the adjusters are anything like the other side I'll have a hard time getting them moving, but I'll get the plusgas out and give it a try this weekend, thanks! :ok