fj40 brake drum removal tips needed

[bgray]

FJ40 Brake Drum Removal

Hey Everyone,

I recently picked up a '73 FJ40 and am trying to remove the front break drum. The wheel doesn't spin and I'm thinking the brakes are locked/frozen against the drum (FJ40 hasn't run/moved in 20 years). In looking at the drum, I do not see a set screw. I see two holes in the drum, one slightly larger than the other, but there is a piece of steel behind it (no threads), so I'm thinking if I could spin the drum I would be able to see the female threads where the set screw would go in.

My question. Is the set screw obvious on the front of the drum and does it sit in one of the two holes? If so, then I suspect it was removed years back and was never reinstalled. If so, I'll follow the advice in this thread and start with the hammer and move to the torch. I'll also pull another wheel that spins and see if I see the set screw. I did try backing off the breaks via the adjustment hole on the back of the wheel, but it doesn't feel like it is giving.

Thoughts or advice,

thanks,
Brian

'73 FJ40

 

[fj404life]

The adjusters are probably frozen solid. You will see the screw if its there.
Look up a post to see how I got mine to part ways.

 

[bgray]

Thanks. I saw your note about using a screw driver in the half inch hole on front of the drum. I pounded on it for a bit and was able to get the tip of the screw driver in and pry enough to get the back plate to break free of the drum -- at least I think it did as I was able to get the wheel hub to shift slightly. Beyond that it would not come free. I'm wondering if the shoes are somehow frozen against the drum. If so, I'm considering following the suggestion above to unbolt the four bolts on each cylinder on the back, which should let the brakes come out attached to the hub.

Question: Do I need to worry about damaging the wheel plate by applying more force with a hammer and screw driver? I've also tried using a block of wood and hammer to hit at the drum at a 45 degree angle from inside the fender well.

Anyway, I'll try some more tomorrow. I appreciate any continued advice you can offer.

Brian

 

[yotawheeler]

i use penitrating oil around the hub, a 2 lb sledge, safety glasses and some hearing protection and go to town when those things are on there tight. i wouldnt worry too much about damaging the drum, i have surprisingly never damaged one...and have beaten on them pretty hard.

 

[wallybanger]

Torch, and a big hammer. make sure it's a steel hammer, not a rubber/deadblow. Smash that puppy!

 

[amaurer]

I have done terrible things to a drum with my favorite BFH, I've beaten them so hard I was worried about my wheel bearings, but the drum itself was none the worse for wear.

That said, I have no reason to believe the the beating actually helped, the drum certainly didn't just jump off.

On a cruiser front axle, just disconnect the brake lines (or loosen them) - that will take all the pressure off the pads. In truth that should probably be standard practice IMO for any stuck cruiser drum, EXCEPT for late-model rear axles with the parking brake.

 

[bgray]

Success. I was finally able to get the drum off by following the suggestion in the thread of unbolting the four bolts on each cylinder on the back of the hub. Backing all bolts off about half way, I used a block of wood and hammer to tap on the bolts to free the cylinders from the back plate and then break the shoes free of the drum. Once free, I removed the bolts and then started working it. The shoes are held on with a pin and clip, so they will stay fixed to the inner plate. I rotated between pulling on the drum and prying through the cylinder holes on the back. I was home free once I was able to get a screw driver between the drum and back plate.

Thanks again to all who responded.

Brian
'73 FJ40

 

[fj40ingkc]

x2 on a big flathead screwdriver pounded into the 1/2" or so hole near the inside of the drum.
Keep pounding it in there and the drum will start to free up!

Well here’s hoping my Pty at doesn’t break off in the process. Was hitting with huge dead low and didn’t break bond!

 

[Paraglider]

I know this is a very old thread but on another Landcruiser site, I saw a guy who used tiedown straps to get it off. Just pulled it down really tight around the drum and then yanked it off. I thought I'd try it instead of beating the drum to death and it worked surprisingly easily.

 

[fj40ingkc]

Good idea

Paraglider​

, I will do that next time -max

 

[Living in the Past]

I have always used to very large screwdrivers on the perimeter 180° apart. Once the lip on the drum gets started over brake shoes that get hung up on the lip on the edge of the drums usually come off pretty easy.