Can't get my 11" drum off

[aboyandhisdog]

I've been banging it with a rubber mallet, a steel hammer, tried a big pry bar.  I'm guessing the shoes have worn into the drum and are getting hung up on the ridge that has worn in the drum.  Any thoughts?  Thanks!

[mtnman37879]

Use your brake shoe tool and un-adjust the brakes.

[Brad Y.]

Hub pullers work wonders for this situation. You can borrow one from most parts store these days. I had to use one a few months ago to get a frozen brake off so I could move it onto a trailer for transportation.

[aboyandhisdog]

Thanks for the input.  I did finally get it off...the old fashioned way - I got a bigger hammer and pry bar.  Hammering on the areas of the drum that is between the studs and alternating from one side to the other (180 degrees apart) did the trick.  I put the drum back on with a generous application of anti-seize between the wheel stud areas. 

BTW, it wasn't the shoe hanging up on a ridge in the drum - there were no ridges at all as the shoes actually lay all the way past the edge of the drum.  I think the culprit was the rust between the drum and the hub in that wheel stud area.

[Brad Y.]

Glad to hear you got it off!