Need help getting brake drum off - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**ScottH** · 02-19-2026, 07:13 PM

Recently starting work on a 60 Apache I recently picked up. Started on the brakes, has been sitting for a while so the drums were stubborn coming off. Managed to back off the adjuster on 3 & got the drums off with some persuasion. The drivers front is a different story. Unfortunately no matter what I do the adjuster will not move. The drum rotates so it is not stuck to the shoes. The others all had a ridge on the edge of the drum so thinking this is having the same issue.

Can anyone offer suggestions on how to get the drum off with a frozen adjuster? Any help would b greatly appreciated.

TIA

SS317 · 02-19-2026, 07:39 PM

I've had to heat them with a torch and use a big hammer.

forestb · 02-20-2026, 04:46 PM

I have seen people hit the face with a ball ping hammer

1restorick · 02-20-2026, 07:57 PM

Cut off the brake shoe hold-down pins from the back of the backing plate. It will give you the clearance to remove the drum.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 02-21-2026, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1restorick

Cut off the brake shoe hold-down pins from the back of the backing plate. It will give you the clearance to remove the drum.

I remember doing that back in the day.

**ScottH** · 02-21-2026, 01:36 PM

Thanks 2 all, appreciate the suggestions

02-19-2026, 07:13 PM	#1
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,221	Need help getting brake drum off Recently starting work on a 60 Apache I recently picked up. Started on the brakes, has been sitting for a while so the drums were stubborn coming off. Managed to back off the adjuster on 3 & got the drums off with some persuasion. The drivers front is a different story. Unfortunately no matter what I do the adjuster will not move. The drum rotates so it is not stuck to the shoes. The others all had a ridge on the edge of the drum so thinking this is having the same issue. Can anyone offer suggestions on how to get the drum off with a frozen adjuster? Any help would b greatly appreciated. TIA __________________ 1960 Apache stepside (project) 1966 C10 swb fleetside 1966 GMC G1000 Handi-bus (future project) 1955 Chevy 2 dr. 210 wagon

02-19-2026, 07:39 PM	#2
SS317 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Fruita, Colorado Posts: 224	Re: Need help getting brake drum off I've had to heat them with a torch and use a big hammer. __________________ 1966 Chevy C-10 350 Engine 700R4

02-20-2026, 04:46 PM	#3
forestb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 3,716	Re: Need help getting brake drum off I have seen people hit the face with a ball ping hammer

02-20-2026, 07:57 PM	#4
1restorick Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South West Pennsylvania Posts: 169	Re: Need help getting brake drum off Cut off the brake shoe hold-down pins from the back of the backing plate. It will give you the clearance to remove the drum. __________________ RED RUMBLE 1963 C10 Chevy Truck Owned since 1984

02-21-2026, 01:36 PM	#6
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,221	Re: Need help getting brake drum off Thanks 2 all, appreciate the suggestions __________________ 1960 Apache stepside (project) 1966 C10 swb fleetside 1966 GMC G1000 Handi-bus (future project) 1955 Chevy 2 dr. 210 wagon



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