Rear Brake Drums

[healeynutt]

I am attempting to remove the rear brake drums to check the condition of the brake shoes and drums for the first time since I have owned this 64 BJ8, a couple of years. Anyway I can't seem to budge the locking nuts that hold the drum and hub. I am concerned about rounding off the nuts. The PO seems to have started that process. An 11/16 socket seems tightest, a 3/8 Whitworth (7/16 BS) has considerable play. I have applied PB Blaster. I may have to use a pipe extention on the rachet for leverage, but again I am worried that applying too much force will round off the corners, leading to bigger problems. Suggestions.

 

[Dave Russell]

Your best bet is an 11/16" 6 point impact socket with an impact wrench, either air or electric. It's surprising how much better impact works instead of a long lever.

I assume that you are referring to the five angle shouldered self locking nuts. If so, you will no doubt wish to replace these nuts with new.
D

 

[healeynut]

Dave is right, use a high quality 11/16" six sided socket to get these off. If you have access to an air compressor driven impact wrench it should make it easier to get off without damaging the nuts. You will want to replace the nuts anway.

 

[AUSMHLY]

If you do find the nuts round off, look into a Metrinch.

I had a nut that was rounded off and my neighbor brought over a Metrinch. It grabed it the first time and took it right off. I now have one of their sets. I keep it in the Healey.

Metrinch is a bit pricey. Best place to get them is Ebay.