Rear brake drums

[Icelander]

Grrrr!

I've got the overwhelming urge to sell the '67 LeMans!

I've finally got some time to rebuild the brakes and I can't get the $#@%!! rear drums off.

The right rear drum turns and I don't feel any drag. I pull on the drum and it moves only slightly and then stops. If I move it off and on I can see the axle move with it. It does not feel like the pads are hung on a lip inside the drum. I tried banging on the drum a little to maybe break loose any rust but no deal. *I didn't even try to pull the driver's side since it's dragging.

There isn't any slot to turn the adjuster back. Am I missing something? The shop manual says "remove the drum".. uh.. ok.. how? >:(

Any suggestions as to what could be hanging up the drum?

Kendall

[triple66]

could be the drum is rusted to the axle pad. Try penetrating oil and a hammer. I know of no subtle solution.

[JLP]

Be sure to put pressure on the drum as you hit it with the hammer. *You can also hit the end of the axel. *Do not do this with great force. * ::) *However, you may have to increase the force if it will not come off.

You realize, that if you sell the LeMans that the next owner will be able to just whip them off and put new ones on and you will buy another car and have the same problem, AGAIN!! *>:( ::)

BTW, a bit of heat from a propane torch helps.

[ijester]

I have found the easiest way is to simply sand the part of the axla that extends through the drum. Usually rust and time will conspire to make this part too big to fit easily through the drum. When you reassemble, a little anti-sieze coating will make next time easier.