Locked Drum Brake

[sclayto2]

Hi all,

I'm in the process of stripping down an old Honda Trike from the 80s. However, I've got a small problem in that the rear drum brake is locked solid, which means I cannot strip the rear end down, until it is removed.

The rear brakes are operated by a lever and rod system. I've wound the adjuster in, so it is under maximum tension and I can feel that the cam system is moving. Which, to my simple mind, means that either one or both shoes have locked against the drum.

Is there a simple way of freeing them? SO far I've been soaking the whole assembly in WD-40, hoping it might penetrate, but after a week, no luck.

Thanks for any advice.

[Sam_68]

Try heating the drum with a blowtorch to expand it, then 'persuade' it off with a big hammer and a suitable drift or chisel.

[GreenV8S]

Use proper penetrating/easing oil, re-apply and keep trying to release it every few days. It might take a while but it will eventually get there. (WD40 isn't a penetrating oil it's just a water dispersant.)

[Mr2Mike]

GreenV8S said:

Use proper penetrating/easing oil, re-apply and keep trying to release it every few days. It might take a while but it will eventually get there. (WD40 isn't a penetrating oil it's just a water dispersant.)

WD40 is a penetrating oil, just not as effective as some other makes.

[sclayto2]

GreenV8S said:

Use proper penetrating/easing oil, re-apply and keep trying to release it every few days. It might take a while but it will eventually get there. (WD40 isn't a penetrating oil it's just a water dispersant.)

Fair point, care to recommend one?

[Fatboy]

I've had this on my Mini's rear drums a couple of times - heat it with a blowtorch, tt it with a big hammer a few times and then try to turn it with a long metal bar across the wheel studs for leverage - frees the mini up every time