Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I was wondering do you need any special tools to pull the drum off to gain access to the seals located in the rear axle of a 1937 115

Thanks James

You'll need a drum puller.

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Believe the 37 used essentially the same tapered rear axles as Packard used thru 55. If so, you will need a substantial puller of the type that will bolt onto the drum. Here is a photo of the typical puller needed.https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=165631#forumpost165631

You can usually rent a puller but be sure to get one with sufficient capacity. Some have said to look for a puller that would be used on a pickup or truck. Small ones used on some modern cars or smaller cars will generally not be strong enough for the large Packard drums and can bend or break. If the drums have not been off the axles for many years they can be very tight or rusted and can take some work and time and even a bit of heat before they break free.

Loosen the nut several turns but be sure to leave it partially threaded on the axle when removing the drum. Once the drum breaks free there is a lot of stored energy released and without the nut to restrain it the drum and puller can fly several feet.

And the Hammer of Thor! Okay maybe not Thor but a very big hammer.
Wes

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One word of warning! Some pullers (I have one.) say in it's directions to strike the end of the bolt to help loosen the hub while tension is applied to the bolt. Packard manual states not to do this because there is a metal block in the middle of the rear end separating the two shafts and it could be damage.
Wes

When you are finished and ready to reassemble, please remember that the taper surfaces both inside the drum and the axle end should be clean and dry - NO LUBRICANT. And the axle nut needs to be very tight, probably at least 200 lb-ft.