Wire Wheels Drums

A couple of questions:

I have removed the four nuts from the rear drums and expected them to come off however they are firmly stuck on. Is it necessary to also remove the split pin and castle nut from the hub?

Secondly, the castle nut on the rear hubs appears to the 1 and a half inch. Is this correct. I ask because the front ones are smaller. Thanks

You don't have to remove the nut. Did you remove the two screws though that hold the drum to the axle flange?? You may have rust holding the drum to the axle surface assuming that you have the shoes backed off. Try tapping with a hammer.

Thanks for your quick response Chris.

On my drums there are no screws...just the 4 nuts. The two holes (where the screws should have been) are still there but it doesn't look like the remains of two broken off screws are inside. The metal looks like part of the hub??

The hand brake is off and I have backed off the shoes. I have tried to free them up with a hammer but no success.

Steve

They are almost always somewhat rusted on. You are not the first.

Keep working on them. Hits around the perimeter etc. Be patient. A little PB blaster on the 4 bolts and the center of the brake drum. It is assumed you will be cleaning the area up before reassembly. I typically put a pan under the areas and use a can of brake cleaner and a brush.

They will come off. However it may try your patience. A lot.

Larry

I agree that they're probably just stuck on. As mentioned, tap around the edges to help release the drum. You can also back off the adjuster on the back to relieve tension on the shoes.

The WW drums don't use the small screws, just the 4 lugs. The drums are the same for WW and steel wheels, which use the 2 small screws to hold them in place until the wheel is attached.

Just for reference, the rear hub nut is 1 5/16"; the front 1 1/8". Just did this job the other day.

Thanks for all you advise. Drums are now off.

regards, Steve