42mm, I think. Type 1 VW's (bugs) used a 36mm nut, Type IIs and Vanagons
use a 42mm version of same.

Actually, you may not be able to get it off with just a socket and
ratchet. It's supposed to be on with a couple hundred ft/lbs of torque.
Unless you have a large breaker bar and can exert sufficient leverage,
you may need to get the special tool that is designed to loosen these.
This is a special flattened, 1/2" drive steel socket having an extension
with two flat sides on it designed for hammering on. You place it over
the axle nut, place a ratchet or breaker bar in the 1/2" drive, and
while pressing down on the ratchet you simultaneously hammer on the flat
side to break the nut free. I believe these are simply called axle nut
removers, and any VW parts place or large FLAPS should carry them. All
Type IIs and Vanagons use an axle nut to retain the hub, so you should
be able to find one.

Not sure, though, why the hub has to be loosed to get the drum off. Even
if you have grooves worn in your drum, backing off the brake shoes,
using a rust dissolver and tapping the drum with a mallet should loosen
it.

Dan

Gary Stearns wrote:

> I will very soon need to replace rear brake on our '88 GL.   A few
> days ago I checked the Bentley, took a rear wheel off to consider how
> big a job this was going to be.  Bentley says the rear hub castellated
> nut has to come off to get the drum off.  Seems unecessary, but also
> seems no way to get a drum puller around the edges of the drum.  OK,
> what size socket do I need.  Geeeez, this thing measures 45mm!
> (clatter of sockets being pushed around in the toolbox) I don't see
> one of those in here!  My largest socket is 24mm.  Went to 2 FLAPS
> (Hey Tony! You ever see a 45mm socket?) and a Sears.  FLAPS can order
> it for me from a specialty tool company for $55.  No, I'll check with
> The List first.   Do I need this blammit thing?  Can one be had
> cheaper? Thanks - Gary

--
Dan
__________________________________________________
Dan Schmitz - Genentech Automation Engineering
djs@gene.com (650) 225-6119
__________________________________________________

"I'll so offend to make offense a skill
Redeeming time when men least think I will"

W. Shakespeare
Henry IV, Part 1

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