76 Chev truck 2wd :Rear brake drum removal

[76Chevrolet]

I cannot figure out how to remove the brake drums from my 76 Chevy Any info appreciated.

[pind]

try this, first, remove the wheel..... ok, seriously, not wanting to sound like a haynes manual here.

I it is a half ton, try soaking the area at the center of the drum, where it slides over the axle flange, with wd-40, bolt-out, liquid wrench, etc. After it has soaked for a while, tap the out circumference of the drum with a hammer while gently pulling out on the drum. This may work. If not, here is the not so kind, gentle approach.

Take a medium sized ball-peen hammer, and liberally smack the face of the drum, between the wheel studs. The force of this will generally break the rusted/ siezed part free, so that you can slide the drum off of the axle flange.

It may help to back the brakes off a little bit as well, as over time they can wear into the drum enough to leave a lip on the backside that will catch on the brake shoes when you try to remove the drum.

If you end up using the ball-peen hammer approach, be sure to put some wheel nuts on the studs before beating on the drum face. This will help prevent the need to change the studs if you inadvertently smack one with the hammer. This also prevents the cursing, yelling, tool throwing, joyous mechanic dance that comes from screwing up a perfectly good wheel stud.

Take this recipe and enjoy with coffee and donuts. Or an afternoon beer. But don't drink and drive. Good luck

[e3j1c1]

If that doesn't work, grab a torch and heat it up, but whatever you do, don't melt anything. The metal expands when heated then contracts when it cools, loosening the rust (if that's what your problem is). However, if your not very talented with a torch, have a professional help you out.

[76Chevrolet]

Thanks for the info.Drums came off with a little bit of persuasion with a hammer and good ol' wd-40