Rear brake drum removal

[Jhenry1745]

What is the best method or tool used for rear brake drum removal on a 48 Continental. The car has 86,000 miles and it appears they have never been off. Thanks!

[19tom40]

You need a hub puller that fits around the center of the rear drum.

 

http://vintageprecision.com/products/hub_pullers/index.html

 

When you remove the hub, examine the bottom surface of the axle housing for signs of pits and wear. If it is worn, you probably should have the housing sleeved to give the bearings a good surface to ride on.

 

Those bearing need to be serviced every 10,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever come first. Brake typically lasted around 20,000 miles in those days, so your drums were probably removed to service the bearings or brakes.

 

The best grease for your wheel bearings is StaLube SL3131. The disc/drum wheel bearing grease does not hold up on the roller bearings.

https://www.amazon.com/Sta-Lube-SL3131-Heavy-Bearing-Grease/dp/B000CPJMYI/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=drum+brake+wheel+bearing+grease&qid=1632152077&sr=8-6

[Jhenry1745]

Good info! I will get the puller ordered.

[C. Douglas Johnson Jr.]

When first popping the hub from the taper I leave the nut on, but loose so you don't swell up the threads and not be able to get the nut back on. Once the taper fit is popped apart, piece of cake.