Uncooperative Brake Drum

[punter]

Got any tricks for removing an uncooperative brake drum?

I just figured I'd disassemble the hub, remove both the hub and drum together, then try to bang them apart.

But, I wanted to see if anyone has a trick that might be easier, before I go that route.

[stirlsilver]

I thought the hardest part was getting those damn coutersunk screws out! Heat is always your friend when it comes to parts that are seized together. Get a blow torch and warm it up then tap it with a hammer, always works for me!

[glencoyne]

Hit the face of the drum - not the edge, and especially not the rim, with the biggest hammer you can find. Screw the wheel nuts a few turns onto the studs first, so you do not hit the ends of the studs and damage them. Even the most stubborn drum will 'bounce' free in the end. If it still does not shift, you are using too small a hammer.

Richard

[martin hughes]

I use a big copper hammer, this will not damage the drum or cause splinters.

[cat3412]

if it is the front drums that you are wrestling with , if you look at the wheel stud P.C. D you will see a 3/8 unc tapped hole for a jacking bolt. Just wind in the jacking bolt and the drum will pop off.
P.S. Dont forget to back off the adjusters first.

Regards Cat 3412

[punter]

Hit the face of the drum - not the edge, and especially not the rim, with the biggest hammer you can find. Screw the wheel nuts a few turns onto the studs first, so you do not hit the ends of the studs and damage them. Even the most stubborn drum will 'bounce' free in the end. If it still does not shift, you are using too small a hammer.

Richard

Yep, that did the trick... just kept borrowing bigger hammers 'til I got one that'd pop it loose. It took a small sledge, but both drums popped off like nothing... no damage to any parts either.

Thanks for the advice!