<VV> Brake Drum Removal

[Padgett]

>It seems that the  end of the axle has been flared out
>but that probably isn't the reason.

Been some time since I saw that but think what happens is that the hub 
develops some corrosion and since that is a very close fit (GM wheels 
register on the hub, not the lugs), it is enough to bind the drum. At least 
after removal, once I cleaned up (emory cloth) and repainted the hub and 
drum, the brake drum would slide on and off normally.

Old time method to loosen a stuck drum was to put the wheel on but with 
loose lug nuts and roll the car back and forth a bit. Might also help to 
clean/apply penetrating oil to the part of the hub you can reach.

The other factor I almost hesitate to mention is that if there is even a 
slight ridge on the drum and the brake shoes have not been backed off, the 
drum will feel like it is on a big spring.

Padgett