The drum slides over the big nut on the axle shaft. There are two 11 mm
retaining bolts holding the drum on the flange. That is all. The big nut
only tightens against the bearing, not the drum. Remove the two small
bolts, whack the drum with a hammer, and it should slide off. If not,
try loosening the brakes a bit and try again.

My $0.02.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Mike Ross wrote:

>Does anybody have any tips on removing the big nut on the rear axle of a
>Vanagon?  I'm trying to replace the rear brake shoes, and the big nut won't
>come off so that I can get at the brakes themselves.  I have tried a 5 foot
>cheater pipe, but all that does is spin the wheel (yes it is on the ground,
>in gear, with the emergency brake applied).  I am thinking about cutting the
>nut off, but I don't see them listed on any of the usual sites and am sure
>that my local FLAPS doesn't have them.
>
>
>