Classic/Antique Car Repair/rear drum removal

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Expert: - 9/14/2009


Question
i have a 1954 Chrysler Windsor De Luxe and i was wondering how i can remove the rear drum

Answer

Hub and drum puller
REAR DRUM PULLING
The rear brake drums on these cars have a tapered hole in the center and fits over the tapered axle shaft. They are fitted with a square key to make a positive drive to the wheels. The drum is secured to the shaft with the big nut in the center. A puller used to remove this set up is a real heavy duty rig that bolts three legs to the wheel lugs. The center screw of the puller presses against the shaft end. For this reason when using the puller I usually put the nut on backwards so that there is clearance between the inner end of the nut and the drum and the outer surface of the nut is even with the end of the shaft. This keeps the puller from damaging the threads on the shaft. Then the puller is tightened by hammering on the built in cross wrench to add pressure. It deliverers a lot of pull needed to break the grip of the tapered shaft. It is a special puller and some Rent A Tool stores still has them.
Brad

Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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