RE: IML: Rear drum pullers, Mac Tools\OTC & tips

Here's some infoshare based on my experience...

I use the OTC-7394 puller (similar if not same as MAC) with 5 legs as Joe suggests. It comes with striking wrench which is useful in breaking brake shoes loose if they are stuck to the drum. This puller style is exactly what is shown in the 1958 and older Chrysler/Imperial shop manuals.

When pulling drums I always back off the axle nut to the end of the shaft and check that it spins freely to make sure the end of the axle shaft doesn't start to mushroom as I tighten the drive screw. I also shoot liquid wrench down the keyway. If stubborn, I heat the drum hub with a couple of propane torches and hit the hub with a hammer (striking seems to help a lot just as it does when removing ball joint studs from spindles). It may take a few cycles of heating/cooling which is preferable to a 3 ft breaker bar and brute force which can distort the drum and mushroom the axle end (been there, done that).

Also, I avoid whacking the end of the drive screw since it shock loads the axle bearing, race & thrust block (I think the shop manuals also warns against striking the axle end for these reasons).

For re-assembly I clean the axle taper with emory cloth and rub chalk on the taper (as I think is also recommened in the old shop manuals. Anti-seize compound on the taper is tempting but I don't think it's intended for this application so I prefer the chalk approach.

John B.

http://www.etoolcart.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=858

From: SpicemanII@xxxxxxx
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To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: IML: Rear drum pullers, Mac Tools
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2007 12:34:48 EDT

For those of you wanting or needing a new rear drum puller for cars that need them, I have had mine for several years and I just called Mac Tools to get a price for you all. Their phone to order one is 800 622 8665. Listen for the recordings to transfer you to whatever your situation in order to get one. The price within the 48 states is $145.99. I do not know if it includes shipping as it might. Also, I recommend that you get the 2 other legs so you have 5 in case a leg breaks and you will be without till it is replaced as they can break. It is dangerous using them if not properly on the lugs and very straight as possible. 2 extra legs cost $99.10. For the price, it is much better to buy 2 sets and have 6 legs and two assemblies instead of an assembly with 5 legs. The reason, at 146 plus 99 it is a total of $245. and the 2 assemblies are $292. A lot of spare parts this second way. Your choice. The reason I mention this is because I saw a posting of someone saying they should not cost more than $100. for a good one. Not so. Joe Machado

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