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What is the secret to removing the rear brake hubs. I think mine have been on there since 53. I have loosen the passengers side about 1/8 inch out from the inside hub axle shaft. P/b blaster, some heat, finger pulley, but it looks like the key way is stuck. I guess thats what you call that thing on the axle shaft. I'm calling around for a hub puller that bolts to the hub.

You will for sure need the bolt on style puller. It is really only way to remove the rear drums without destroying them. Then are basically pressed on at this point.

I'm sure if you use the search feature, you'll find that this has been discussed here a half-a-thousand times; you'll find plenty of pictures and tips. DON'T use a finger puller, it will distort or break the drum. You MUST use a drum hub puller.

In a nutshell, attach a proper puller, leave the axle nut on a couple of turns so that when the drum pulls free it doesn't fly across the workspace. Tighten the puller, make sure the brake shoes are retracted, tighten the puller (usually by hammering on a "dogbone") or with a very large wrench. Then a crisp whack with a heavy hammer on the end of the puller shaft should do the trick. Don't hammer repetitively! If it doesn't come off, leave the tension on the puller and go on to something else for a day or so - and then try again.

And when you reassemble DO NOT use any lubricant on the shaft taper - its the tightness of the metal to metal contact that drives the wheels, the key and keyway alone is inadequate.

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Where do you find a puller like the one in the pic. Thanks

Try an Industrial rental place (where you rent Bobcats and such). Usually, auto parts stores don't have one that big -- only the kind for pulling SBC crank balancers or steering wheels.

Craig

Drum pullers of the appropriate type are easy enough to come by. They are often found at flea markets for $20 or so; they can be rented; they can be purchased new (not cheap); but perhaps the best bet is to join a local group of Packard enthusiasts and chances are you can borrow one.

Here's one currently listed in the MSC catalog; about $130 or so IIRC.

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Here is another style made by Blue Point that I used on my '54.

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With three cars now needing the use of a hub puller, I finally bit the bullet and bought a new one off the Internet. Same design as the one shown by Owen_Dyneto. $70.24 including S/H. Cost me $18.00 Each time I rented one.

Dear MrBob:

Here is a method I read about once but never tried:

Loosen the axle nut a few flats and reinstall the cotter key.

Drive the car around the block in both directions a few times to break the drum free.

I don't know if this method works, but I do occasionally have to loosen lugs nuts on modern vehicles and drive them around when the wheels get stuck. Sometimes it doesn't work and I have to break out a sledge hammer.

Good luck with your car.

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I think this would work. If it doesn't break the axle free the first time them go around the block again upping the speed 50%. If not, repeat. If so, limp back to garage with (hopefully) the wheel still attached.

Craig