I want to remove the rear brake drums on a 52 Cranbrook. I have a hub puller that fits but the drums are on the axles very snug and I am afraid to really bear down. I have done this on a 40 Plymouth truck but that was 30 years ago. Any suggestions? I want to drive this car to the pacific grove meet but have never had it more than 20 miles from home in San Jose. Thanks
Here is a sequence that includes removal of a drum. http://www.ply33.com/Repair/axle_seal/
Is this the type of puller you have?
(https://www.plymouthowners.club/talk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ply33.com%2FRepair%2Faxle_seal%2Fimages%2Ftf20101009-07.jpg&hash=329b7acd8951a0ca365b14b00d375b9caa4168cb)
No That is not the type of puller and after I posted my question I did a search and found other posts that showed the puller you pictured. I will go to the tool rental store and try to find one. The one I had was less heavy duty and was not strong enough. Thanks
Pulling the rear drums can be an experience, but make sure you put the castle nut on backwards before you install the puller, have a big hammer, but don't go overboard with the hammer, keep the puller tight and above all have patience. My passenger side one was a bugger boo to get off, but the driver's side came off with little hassle
Good luck,
Bob
I followed Bob Drown's instructions a while back when I had to pull the rear drums on my '36. Just as Bob said, it takes a while, but they will come off. The part about the castle nut is very important, so that the drum doesn't launch into your body when it comes off.
Pat O'Connor
After searching several equipment rental and auto parts stores I finally found the same puller that was pictured in TodFitch post. It was a fossil the older guy in the store remembered. Unfortunately, it was worn and the arms would not lock to the ring and the pounding of the hammer would release an arm before the drum would break free. I looked at several more parts store. The young kids that work there were no help. I remembered I had met a fellow with several Plymouths and I called him and he had his own puller. He lent it to me and I had both drums pulled in 20 minutes. The brakes are almost new and my check is complete. Thanks for the help, especially the warning about the castle nut. I did not have it on during my first attempt.
Glad they came off easy for you, you are lucky :)