How to Remove Brake Drums on a 1967 to 1969 VW

Volkswagens produced in the late 1960s were equipped with a drum-brake system as standard equipment. When the brake pedal is depressed, two brake shoes mounted behind each wheel expand and press against a round drum. The resulting friction is what slows the vehicle. However, this friction also gradually wears down the drum. If the damage to the drum is not extensive, it can often be repaired by a process called "turning." In extreme cases, the drum must be replaced. The first step in either task is to remove the drums.

Instructions

1

Bend the two ends of the cotter pin at the center of the drum together with pliers.

2

Pull the cotter pin out of the castle nut with the pliers.

3

Loosen the castle nut by turning the nut in a counterclockwise direction with a breaker bar and a socket.

4

Remove the wheel's lug nuts with a lug-nut wrench.

5

Lift the back of the vehicle with a jack.

6

Lower the vehicle onto safety stands.

7

Remove the lug nuts with the lug-nut wrench.

8

Lift the wheel off of the brake drum.

9

Remove the loosened castle nut with a socket wrench.

10

Disengage the parking brake.

11

Pull the brake drum off of the vehicle.