Brake Drum Removal

Originally Posted by Jeff Trahan in the old forum: I'm posting an email conversation I had with another member regarding brake drum removal: The reason for the hub to be so hard to remove is twofold-the axle shaft is tapered, so that when the nut is tightened up & backed off to insert the cotter pin, the hub is essentially "wedged" in place. Now add in several years of corrosion and you have all the ingredients for a real picnic! Here's how I got my hubs off... Procure a good penetrating oil - kroil, liquid wrench, WD 40 & spray center of hub @ axle Snug up puller (don't try to use puller just yet to remove hub) HIT puller (no love taps here) with a 2-3 lb. sledgehammer Tighten puller again (using same sledge on your wrench handle to make sure it's tightening)! Just an added step due to my impatience Repeat Eventually you will be able to turn puller without much trouble using just the wrench and the hub slides off. Beware-it isn't light! Brake cleaner will remove any penetrating oil that may have gotten into the brake shoes