Installing stepdown rear brake drums

hudsonguy
hudsonguy Senior Contributor
edited November -1 in HUDSON
What are some of the methods people use to install the press-fit rear brake drums on a stepdown? It seems that without a special installation tool that the dealers and factory probably used, about all one can do is to use the retaining nut to do the pressing. Based on the condition of the threads on my axles and nuts, it seems like there might be a better way?



Thanks for the help.

Doug

Comments

  • kamzack
    kamzack Senior Contributor
    Hey Doug,

    Torque specs should be available from someone on the forum. You may want to chase the threads to clean them up. I've used a light coating of high temp grease, which will enable easier removal next time. There's no magic to install hubs, tighten to specs, cotter pin the castle nut and you're done. Specs are usually in the front pages of shop manual, Mine's at the machine shop with my 254.Hope this helps.

    Kim
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    rear axle lnuts should be torqued to 150 psi, BILL ALBRIGHT
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    I'm confused as to what you ask about "press fit drums". The drums just slide over the shoes, and on to the tapered axle, and you then install the retaiining nut. Then you adjust the brakes. Do you have the brakes too tight? Can you turn the drum as you install it? A little more specific info please.

    Geoff.
  • 464Saloon
    464Saloon Senior Contributor
    150 Psi ???
  • hudsonguy
    hudsonguy Senior Contributor
    Geoff C., N.Z. wrote:
    I'm confused as to what you ask about "press fit drums". The drums just slide over the shoes, and on to the tapered axle, and you then install the retaiining nut. Then you adjust the brakes. Do you have the brakes too tight? Can you turn the drum as you install it? A little more specific info please.

    Geoff.



    My thanks to all replies, and my apologies for my apparent 'brain fade'. I'd forgotten that the axle shaft is tapered for the hub on the drum. Of course, it will simply slide on until the (150 ft/lb) torqueing of the nut puts it into it's final position.



    I was just probably overly concerned because the threads on the two retaining nuts were pretty well damaged, but they're the originals, and who knows what kind of abuse they've seen over the years. The threads on one of the axles will need a little dressing with a file as well. I'll use a film of hi temp. grease to facilitate removal next time.



    At the same time, I was in the process of installing an AC compressor clutch on my brand X work transport, which doesn't use any taper on the press fits, so maybe my thoughts of the two different repairs got tangled up!



    Thanks again to all!
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