Drum Brake Repair Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rockdawg · 05-11-2009, 06:29 AM

I need to replace a leaking wheel cylinder on the front of a 69 with drums. I need to remove the large nut on the top (@ 12 o'clock) that holds the springs and wheel cylinder. This thing has not seen daylight in 40 years and does not want to budge. I just want to double check that this thing does have right handed threads doesn't it? I do not want to tear anything else up trying to get it loose. Any tips on getting this thing off other than a breaker bar and cheater pipe?

Thanks

cdowns · 05-11-2009, 06:45 AM

wheel cylinders are held in place by 2 small bolts if i remember the fronts correctly

cparman · 05-11-2009, 06:48 AM

The large nut is right hand threads. I would suggest trying to get access to a air powered impact. With an air gun, you might vibrate the nut loose much easier than using a socket and a pull handle. If air is not an option, try making the handle longer on the pull handle, by slipping a pipe over the end.

jim zag · 05-11-2009, 06:50 AM

I had the same problem and the wheel cylinders were pitted from rust. I would replace both fronts and probably the rears too!

rockdawg · 05-11-2009, 07:38 AM

Thanks for the info guys. Yes, I am replacing both front wheel cylinders with new ones.

68gmsee · 05-11-2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

wheel cylinders are held in place by 2 small bolts if i remember the fronts correctly

On two wheel drives, I agree with cdowns. rockdawg, which big nut are you referring to?

Since you sign rockdawg I'm assuming this is a 4 wheel drive truck. I'm not familiar with these...

Elephanthead · 05-11-2009, 10:54 AM

Must be a 4x4 thing, mine had 2 little bolts.

rockdawg · 05-11-2009, 11:34 AM

It's a two wheel drive. I have seen online where the are two different types of wheel cylinders on these trucks. I believe due to two different widths of brake shoes. Mine is held on with the one large bolt/pin that the springs clip on to. I will try and post a pic tonight.

Brad · 05-11-2009, 11:30 AM

I think the 2wd's had the nut, but maybe I had a 4wd front hub??? I just did this to my '67 several months ago and had the same problem- the nut was a pita to get off!

Yes, the nut is standard threads-right hand threads. I'd get an impact socket as I ended up breaking a standard socket when I did it. I needed a breaker bar as well.

chuckmc8 · 05-11-2009, 11:41 AM

If you cant get it off, just replace the rubber cups in the wheel cylinder. They are available at any parts store. Youll need to hone out the cylinder first, but the hones fit in a drill motor and are available at the parts store also.

05-11-2009, 06:29 AM	#1
rockdawg Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Conyers, Ga Posts: 27	Drum Brake Repair Question I need to replace a leaking wheel cylinder on the front of a 69 with drums. I need to remove the large nut on the top (@ 12 o'clock) that holds the springs and wheel cylinder. This thing has not seen daylight in 40 years and does not want to budge. I just want to double check that this thing does have right handed threads doesn't it? I do not want to tear anything else up trying to get it loose. Any tips on getting this thing off other than a breaker bar and cheater pipe? Thanks __________________ '69 Chevy CST 383 Stroker TH400

05-11-2009, 06:45 AM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Drum Brake Repair Question wheel cylinders are held in place by 2 small bolts if i remember the fronts correctly __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

05-11-2009, 06:48 AM	#3
cparman sharp as a marble Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: atlantic beach,florida Posts: 1,082	Re: Drum Brake Repair Question The large nut is right hand threads. I would suggest trying to get access to a air powered impact. With an air gun, you might vibrate the nut loose much easier than using a socket and a pull handle. If air is not an option, try making the handle longer on the pull handle, by slipping a pipe over the end.

05-11-2009, 06:50 AM	#4
jim zag ENGINE BUILDER Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Shortsville n.y. Posts: 344	Re: Drum Brake Repair Question I had the same problem and the wheel cylinders were pitted from rust. I would replace both fronts and probably the rears too! __________________ JIM ZAG

05-11-2009, 07:38 AM	#5
rockdawg Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Conyers, Ga Posts: 27	Re: Drum Brake Repair Question Thanks for the info guys. Yes, I am replacing both front wheel cylinders with new ones. __________________ '69 Chevy CST 383 Stroker TH400

05-11-2009, 10:54 AM	#7
Elephanthead Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Carmel, IN Posts: 187	Re: Drum Brake Repair Question Must be a 4x4 thing, mine had 2 little bolts.

05-11-2009, 11:34 AM	#8
rockdawg Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Conyers, Ga Posts: 27	Re: Drum Brake Repair Question It's a two wheel drive. I have seen online where the are two different types of wheel cylinders on these trucks. I believe due to two different widths of brake shoes. Mine is held on with the one large bolt/pin that the springs clip on to. I will try and post a pic tonight. __________________ '69 Chevy CST 383 Stroker TH400

05-11-2009, 11:30 AM	#9
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Re: Drum Brake Repair Question I think the 2wd's had the nut, but maybe I had a 4wd front hub??? I just did this to my '67 several months ago and had the same problem- the nut was a pita to get off! Yes, the nut is standard threads-right hand threads. I'd get an impact socket as I ended up breaking a standard socket when I did it. I needed a breaker bar as well. __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten... Last edited by Brad; 05-11-2009 at 11:32 AM.

05-11-2009, 11:41 AM	#10
chuckmc8 It's alsways something..... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Douglasville GA Posts: 1,171	Re: Drum Brake Repair Question If you cant get it off, just replace the rubber cups in the wheel cylinder. They are available at any parts store. Youll need to hone out the cylinder first, but the hones fit in a drill motor and are available at the parts store also.

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