As Ben mentioned:  "There's also a large tool available which looks like
a huge box wrench with
no handle. has a hole for a breaker bar. You insert it over the nut.
Attache
a breaker bar. Then smack it with a hammer. Again, I don't know if they
are
available in the bigger bus nuts."

This is made by EMPI and sold by J.C. Whitney for around $8, comes in
the 46 mm. size the Vanagon nuts call for, and works with a 1/2" breaker
bar and a 3 lb. hammer to hit the gizmo with.  It worked for me, and
it's likely available in other places as well.  Let me know if you want
a few rudimentary pointers.

-Dana-

Gnarlodious wrote:
>
> How do I check the rear brakes?
> Don't tell me I have to remove that huge castle nut! I measured it at
> 1 13/16, is that right? What is the best tool for the job? Pipe wrench? I
> don't even have one but seriously...What is the minimal way to do it?
>
> Rachel http://www.gnarlodious.com