Danno,

It may seem like it, but you do not need to remove the large axle nut to get
the brake drum off just to replace brake shoes. The drum is held on by
corrosion (rust) and two small bolts in the periphery of the drum face going
into the axle flange (10mm heads if I recall correctly). If you see two
little holes instead of bolts, they were not replaced last time. Using the
brake adjuster hole just below the slave cylinder (the bleeder and brake
line area at 12:00 o'clock on the back plate), back the brake shoes off so
the ridge on the drum will clear the brake shoes. It may (probably) be
necessary to use a hefty 5 pound mini-sledge hammer applied carefully to the
outer diameter of the drum (carefully but with purpose). I've found that it
doesn't hurt to wear ear protection; that drum rings loudly!  The idea is to
strike the thickened ridge at the outermost diameter of the drum inwards
(towards the transmission), the blows alternating at 180 degrees from each
other thereby loosening and "rocking" the drum off the face of the axle
flange. It won't hurt to spray a little penetrate on the outer face of the
drum next to the large axle nut; you will see the small diameter circle that
is the inner diameter of the drum face there.

Don't breath the ensuing dust, okay?

Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf Of
Dan Krautkremer
Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2005 11:23 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Substitute tool question

Howdy to all again.

I need a 46mm socket to pull the rear hub to replace the brake shoes. Do I
need to pull the hub to get the drum off? Is there a "english" equivalent to
the 46mm?
according to my measurements 46mm is very close to 1 5/8". Can someone
confirm this? I can't find one
(46mm) locally and I need to get it done this weekend.

Danno
Delaware Water Gap, PA

89' Jetta
86' Vangon
79' Rocco

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