Thread: Name that Brake Drum

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I would like to check the wheel cylinder that is behind this brake drum. I have tried to remove it with no luck. Tried using a puller. It would not budge. If someone knows what it is, and what the magic words are to remove it, please let me know.

thanks, mike

I think there's a limit on the words you can put in a single post. This type of hub is normally taper and splined (or keyed) and can be a major pain to remove. If Techinspectors sugestion dosn't work you will need to use a puller.

The real trick is finding the right puller. That would be one that attaches to the wheel studs. The good ones are really very heavy duty and not something that anybody usually stocks. You might try checking with some of the older garages in your area and see if anybody still has one.

DO NOT use a puller that grips the outer edge of the brake drum as it will bend/break the drum (and it likely still won't come off). After you remove the cotter key and nut, reverse the nut and loosely thread it back on so you don't mushroom the threads when you tighted the puller.

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I guess I should have said I took the picture with the castle nut and cotter pin on. I had taken them off before I used the puller. Sorry. I see no star adjuster, but there are 2 nuts holding a small rectangular plate on towards the bottom.

mike

Judging from the torque tube driveshaft and your description of the back It looks like a 1940 to 1948 Ford rear brake drum to me. They require a heavy duty puller like the one in the picture. It has a fourth leg that doesn't show in the picture but a three legged one will work. This one is an old snap-on tool that I bought at an auction. you have to hit the T-handle with a hammer to get the drum to release from the taper. There should be two 11/16 bolts on the backing plate at the 2o'clock and 10 o'clock positions that you have to turn to back off the shoes. I've only used this once since I bought it but loaned it out a dozen times. You'll have to find one closer to home to borrow. Some old Ramblers needed this type of puller too

Tech, I kinda think Al might be right on the ID, I really can't tell from the picture posted. This arangement was pretty popular through the 40's for a lot of drive axels.

With my fondenss of old MOPARs (yes Bob, I'm out of the closet ) I definatly recoginize "type" of axel. Chrysler Corp used them through 1961.

The puller Al shows is EXACTLY the one I was talking about.

My own prefered method for dealing with them is shown below.

1. Raise car
2. Remove drive shaft
3. Remove brake hose and shocks
4. Remove axel U bolts.
5. Remove Axel
6. Install newer Axel with removable brake drums, lower gears and a Posi.
7. Sell original rear to someone doing a restoration or take to nearest recycling yard.

Looks like an old Mopar or Rambler of which I have one of each and they both use the puller that Al has pictured. The hub and drum have to come off in one piece......... I've got a puller I'm in So.Cal. Looks like your up north right?
May be time for a road trip.......

MM64