----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, October 29, 2006 8:54
AM
Subject: Re: IML: 1955 Rear Brake Drum
not coming off
Safety and patience are critical here.
I've been there. The right rear on my '62 was the most difficult of any I
have ever done. The heaviest duty tool available should be used. There are
many grades of this tool. I have broken four of the lesser ones.
Be sure that you are using the axle nut as a
safety. Make sure that the shoes are backed all the way off.
That means that the adjusters are turned in towards the center.
The drum can POP off and fly across the room so use the
safety. I have seen drums come off that have been rusted
together for years. At one time most cars were made this way.
Imperials were merely one of the last ones.
Don't give up, and find a stronger hub puller. You are frustrated
and jumping to conclusions. It will come off. Safety and patience are critical
here.
Paul W.
-----Original Message-----
From:
rdc2382@xxxxxxxxxxx
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sun, 29 Oct
2006 2:33 AM
Subject: IML: 1955 Rear Brake Drum not coming off
I am having an impossible time removing the Right
rear brake drum from my '55 Newport. I did use a proper hub puller and
removed the left brake drum, with some difficulty. The hub puller bolts to the
drum, has three arms that go to a center disk, and has a center shaft that
pushes against the axle. The center shaft has an alignment pin to keep it
centered. After many attempts to free the right hub, the tool broke from the
hook part of one leg stretching open. The puller is now
useless.
I found a friend with a Snap-On hub puller and
have been using that one. It does not have a centering pin and the center
shaft moves slightly off center when hammering. The tool is much stronger, but
the right hub/drum does not budge. My friend and I have been hammering both
the puller arm and the axle. The puller has caused some indentation on the
axle shaft.
Can anyone share their experiences at
dealing with really difficult brake removal issues that might help solve this
problem? My next step is to apply lots of heat to the hub, but I have concerns
regarding the flammable oil and grease as well as causing damage to the hub.
Does the axle have to come off and taken to a shop? How would a shop
proceed from there?
Does the brake hub/drum have to be destroyed and
a replacement found? Even then, what is used to cut/torch the drum. Yes, I am
getting desperate here.
Any suggestions would be welcome.
Thank you;
Roger2382