WillBilly53 Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 How does one remove the rear brake drums on a 1953 Super? I couldn't find anything in either the '52 or '53 manuals and I've been doing searches in the forums and Internet to no avail. Any ideas? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
51dyno Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 Is the drum loose or rusted to the axel ??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 My 56 has two small diameter bolts holding the drums on. Plus the locator pin is a third. I believe I used a 7/16th socket to get these off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillBilly53 Posted March 10, 2012 Author Share Posted March 10, 2012 (edited) It rotates freely, but I hear some rubbing. I assume the shoes aren't adjusted? I removed the two bolts (they're 1/2 on mine) and the locator pin for the wheel. Should it just pull off with some muscle or do I need a special tool? Edited March 10, 2012 by WillBilly53 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 You should adjust the rear brakes to clear the drum, then try to just pull the drum off straight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest shadetree77 Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 First, do what John said about adjusting the shoes in all the way. Then, in my experience, you might have to get a little aggressive with a hammer! Sometimes the drum freezes up on the axle or gets stuck on a shoe and tapping around the drum with a hammer will free it up. Don't beat the crap out of it or anything, just give it some good solid hits all around it and on the back side. I've literally spent hours trying to pull a drum off before. :mad: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillBilly53 Posted March 12, 2012 Author Share Posted March 12, 2012 alright, thanks guys. I tried adjusting the shoes, but the star bolts seem frozen and won't budge. I lightly rapped the back of the drums with a hammer and got them more loose, but they still won't pull off. It's weird, they move somewhat freely of the axle now, but still won't come off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 The fact that your drums move around the axle means there is a ridge on the inner edge of the drum that isn't clearing the brake shoes. The shoes need to be "tightened" IN. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadmaster75 Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 IF you are doing a complete brake job including the lines and rubber hoses and wheel cylinders, etc. Then you might try just disconnecting or cutting the lines to the wheel cylinders of the offending drums to relieve any residual pressure that might be working against you. This worked for me once on a cursed drum on my Willys-Overland Jeepster. Otherwise just be patient and diligent and careful in working it off....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 (edited) WillStop with all the grunt work! Just grind the heads off of the pins that hold the shoes on the back side of the backing plate and remove the nut from the anchor pin at the top...the shoes and everything will come off with the drum. Do this after being sure that the drum is not stuck on the hub of the axle (here you will need a wire brush on a drill and some penetrating oil).Willie Edited March 14, 2012 by old-tank insufficient information (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 Old-tank is correct. Follow his recommendation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 Willie to the rescue AGAIN. I believe I would NOT have thought of that. And so simple.!! Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillBilly53 Posted March 12, 2012 Author Share Posted March 12, 2012 Awesome. One quick question, where can I purchase replacement pins? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 Awesome. One quick question, where can I purchase replacement pins?When I was spinning wrenches the pins could be purchased individually. Also new spring kits would have the pins as well. You can always inquire with the parts person. I would get the spring kit with all related parts for the drum assembly. This is then a true brake overhaul on the drums. These springs loose their spring/tension ability over a period of time as well. Best to replace them with new. Kits are available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1957buickjim Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 All 4 brake Hold Down Kits Buick Roadmaster 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 | eBayEverything you need once you cut the pins! Good luck WillBilly53! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 Good to go! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillBilly53 Posted March 12, 2012 Author Share Posted March 12, 2012 Sweet, thanks y'all! This girl's gonna be on the road soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 Looking forward to seeing your Buick ready to roll! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1957buickjim Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 +1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillBilly53 Posted March 13, 2012 Author Share Posted March 13, 2012 Well fellas, I'm stumped. I grinded the two holding pins off on the backer plate and they promptly fell into the drum. So everything should pull of together, correct? Well it still won't come off. It kind of walks back and forth and I get it to budge about a 1/4 or 3/8 of an inch but that's it and now it seems slightly tighter. I think I may be missing something else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1957buickjim Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 Ah yes..don't the return springs fit over the stud attached to the backing plate which is attached to the end of the housing shaft. The pins being ground off will only release the brake shoes so far, until the retrun springs are removed from the upper pin. They will have a tendency to fold toward the center, allowing some movement, but until they are unhooked from the pin, same issue in trying to get the drums off. STUCK...I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillBilly53 Posted March 14, 2012 Author Share Posted March 14, 2012 Anchor pin! Holy crap. Finally! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1957buickjim Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 Congrats!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadmaster75 Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 Awesome!I know you would prevail!!!Now for COMPLETE brake job!!(piece of cake considering how far you've come!)mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillBilly53 Posted March 14, 2012 Author Share Posted March 14, 2012 Yeah man! Thanks for everybody's help! Now just waiting for the hold down kit to arrive in the mail (I've got the shoes and cylinders sitting in a box waiting patiently) woo-hoo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 Great! Sometimes a BFH is required. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 Nice work. BTW, where did you get the shoes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillBilly53 Posted March 14, 2012 Author Share Posted March 14, 2012 Please don't shoot me, but I got the cylinders and shoes at autozone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 No shame in that. I wonder if they carried the spring kits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 Re: spring kit- I doubt it.I think John's point about the shoes is that you may find that they are too hard to stop the car without a LOT of leg.Many of us on the forum have discovered that we need to use softer linings rather than off-the-shelf linings... Myself included. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillBilly53 Posted March 14, 2012 Author Share Posted March 14, 2012 Right on. The rear set was only 20 bucks so no big deal if they aren't up to par. Is there a known supplier for shoes with softer linings? Oh and autozone doesn't seem to have the spring kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 What softer linings are offered? Aspestos lined brakes do not exist anymore that I'm aware of. Semi metallic and ceramic are materials I see sold these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 Take your old shoes along with the drums to a local clutch/brake rebuilder and tell them you want shoes that will give the best stopping with the least pedal effort. They will turn the drums install new shoes (oversize if needed) and arc the shoes to fit that drum so there is less breakin required. It will be more expensive than Autozone, but much more satisfactory. Raybestos is the brand that gave me fits, but all brands are probably made at the same place, since the part numbers are the same.Service your axle bearings and seals before installing the brakes, since the backing plates have to be removed for that procedure.(I edited my previous post to include removing the nut from the anchor pin:o:o:o)Willie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillBilly53 Posted March 14, 2012 Author Share Posted March 14, 2012 Thanks for the info Willie. The hold down kit i ordered is no where near correct. I got one with return springs, but everything is too short and too small. Guess I'll get that kit from eBay that buickjim posted and then look for a supplier for the return springs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLYER15015 Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 (edited) Will billyNow you're just about as far as I am w/ my '40 Buick LTD.Just got my relined shoes back from Denver Clutch and have cleaned up and painted the backing plates and various parts.My local brake guy advised me to wire brush all 3 components of the "adjuster" @ the bottom and lube very liberally w/ "never seize" NOT GREASE. You can get new pins, springs, caps @ NAPA or Carquest for a couple of bucks.Good luck,Mike in ColoradoPS; Now that you have removed the top anchor pin, (which centers the shoes on the drum), you will need to consult your mechanics hand book regarding re-centering them. There is a proceedure for mine using a .015" feeler gage thru a hole in the drum perimiter. Do not forget to do this.....or your new brakes will not last long.. Edited March 14, 2012 by FLYER15015 spelling (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 Nash Truck may can help with some linings and brake parts. What ever happened with the starter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillBilly53 Posted March 14, 2012 Author Share Posted March 14, 2012 Cool thanks for the tips Flyer. I managed to find a hold down kit for both rears at a local parts store (Tom Perry Auto Parts) I even managed to get two new return springs also!Lamar thanks for the suggestion for Nash truck parts. I'll hit them up. I wonder if they turn drums there too? I got the starter back and it's awesome. Still need to take my spare one to them for backup. We need to hang out soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 Cool thanks for the tips Flyer. I managed to find a hold down kit for both rears at a local parts store (Tom Perry Auto Parts) I even managed to get two new return springs also!Lamar thanks for the suggestion for Nash truck parts. I'll hit them up. I wonder if they turn drums there too? I got the starter back and it's awesome. Still need to take my spare one to them for backup. We need to hang out soon!They use to turn drums and true shoes too, guess they still do. Tom Perry on Hawthorne is great, is an old car guy, Fords, I think. The lady behind the counter knows her stuff. interchange and all...wanna go junkin tomorrow? I'll call in the morning, early! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillBilly53 Posted March 15, 2012 Author Share Posted March 15, 2012 Yeah man, I was excited to find that place. And the lady is who helped me, she's great!Unfortunately I can't go junkin tomorrow. I got a busy day. I'm prepping for my new job that starts on Monday! I finally found a job - no longer unemployed! Now I can hopefully make some money to pay for the rest of Naomi, LOL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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