How Do I remove front brake drums from a 1941 Chevy Coupe?

Question

Hi, yesterday I replace my wheel cylinders on my rear drum brakes for a 1941 Chevrolet Coupe. Today I jacked up the front and took the wheels off. The drums did not slide off like the rear drums and there were no clips on the lug threads. The wheels turn as if the brakes are not engaged. They should slide right off. I did tap it on all side but both drums will not budge one bit. Any answers????

Answer 1

You have to take the dust cap off the end of the spindle. There will be a cotter pin going through the nut and spindle, remove both and any washers. Now the brake drum should come off. The outer bearing will probably fall out so be carefull with that. If it doesn't slide off you may have to loosen the brakes by inserting a brake tool into the backing plate and rotating the adjuster. I haven't worked on one of these in a long time. good luck.

Answer 2

Take a wire wheel and clean the hub where it sticks out in the center, now spray it down good with PB blaster or something similar. You can try the screw technique like the above answer suggested. as you work it out with the screws, also hit the center with a BFH. Use lots of penetrating oil. You could also heat the center part of the drum. A propane torch might help. It probably is hung up on the break shoes also. Once its free from the center, just keep pulling and the shoes will come out with the drum. It won't matter if they get damaged because you'll need to replace most of those parts anyway.