Rear Drums

[j3schwa]

Hey guys,

I need some serious advice. The 8" I bought to put under my Granada is giving me fits. Turns out the shoes have fused to the drum. This has pretty much rendered the star wheel useless. BTW it has corroded anyway.
How can I get the drums off? I have hammered, heated, penetrated with oil with the only result being they "wiggle" some.

It also has a "brace" I removed that went across the front with a horseshoe type bar and bottom piece was a large metal bar with a bushing on each side. The upper brace was attached to the "head" with three bolts from the pinion?(not sure if that is what it is called.) There is a bolt that goes straight thru the bushing and holds it to the horseshoe shaped bar on top. It was not attached to any part of the suspension. Any idea what this could be for on this rear?

[Jeff Roblin]

Hmmm

I don't know what to recommend that won't destroy the drums or the backing plates.

I have cut the adjuster from behind the backing plate to take the pressure off.........but not on these. Not sure if its possible.

You may have to cut the brake drums right off. Let's face it, if the drums are fused on to the brake shoes, they're no good anyway.

Are the drums free on the center of the hubs and around the axle studs?

[j3schwa]

Jeff,

The drums are free from the axle hub and the studs. I have been able to move them about 1/2 inch off the baking plate. I don't care if I save the drums. I can use the ones on my car now or just get some new ones.
Where would I need to cut using a torch to make sure I don't damage the studs. I was thinking if I cut them right at the point where the fins start I should be ok.

Have you ever seen the support bar I was describing?

Thanks

[tonytrolle]

do not torch, use grinder to slot the sides ( be careful of the backing plate) , hammer the slots with chisel

[Jeff Roblin]

tonytrolle said:

do not torch, use grinder to slot the sides ( be careful of the backing plate) , hammer the slots with chisel

Do you think that would work? I dunno, if the shoes are fused, I'm figuring these brakes are going to be a mess inside and therfore will need a complete kit down to wheel cylinders and springs..........maybe even axle seals. If that's the case, what's the harm in using the torch as long as you don't cut the backing plate?

[j3schwa]

You are right about them being a mess inside. I have already bought a new spring kit etc. I had planned to have new bearings pressed on and the seals replaced since I have it out. I would rather do it now and know what I had than wait until it starts leaking or giving some other trouble.
I do have a cutting tool that I had not thought about. I will give it a go before I breakdown and burn it off. I am pretty patient...to a point.

Thanks for the help.

[j3schwa]

Thanks for the tip on cutting. I ended up cutting a hole in the drums at the very top where the anchor pin for the shoes is located. Once it was exposed I soaked it with penetrating oil and got the anchor key off....finally. Then I just cut the springs to release what tension was there and knocked it with a chisel and hammer. Popped right off.
Now I am using a wire wheel to clean the backing plates up and the rear itself before coating it with a rust preventative and undercoat black. Been raining down this way some. We sure have needed it.

Thanks again and Happy Thanksgiving!
James ;D