Expert: Brad Sears - 4/1/2010

Question
Hello Brad,
I have a 1940 Plymouth P-10 touring sedan in need of brake work my question is how are the rear drums removed as I have not been able to get them off to service the pads and what is the best option for servicing the brake wheel cylinders should I replace the rubber only or purchace complete units ?

Thanks,
Wally

Answer

Hub and drum pullerREAR 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.
If it was my car I would replace the cylinders. My stock answer for “where can I find….” Is to latch on to a copy of Hemmings Motor News, the old car hobbies classified bible. There are many companies that supply parts for old cars and you will find them in Hemmings. www.hemmings.com
Brad