85 Wheel Cylinders

[mrhooie]

Well, I replaced the master cylinder that was laying on the floor of yet unnamed 85 Westy we bought in June.

Upon bleeding the brakes (which I have a receipt for new pads, drums and wheel cylinders in 2002), my buddy broke off the bleed valve.

I tried removing the old valve with an easy out and broke that too

So i bought new wheel cylinders.

Set at it today and easy got the drum off (I guess they really did do it, even though there's a ton of rust and the NWT is pretty rust free).

Do I have to pull the hub to get at this beast? I've just gone out and borrowed a big crescent wrench as I didnt have anything big enough to loosen the hub nut

I'm a little mechanically challenged but have a great will to learn. Your comments are appreciated!

[camo westy]

First off

But the Bentley Book

Lots of pictures and how to's

On the rear drum, it is seperate from that hub which is held in place by the big nut.

Rap on the drum with a hammer, work by tapping between the stud/lug holes, then tap the outer sides, by and by the drum will unfreeze from the hub.

Other option is a big puller to remove the drum. Hammer option #1 always works for me.

[mightyart]

You can change it out without pulling the hub, but it is alot easier with it off,
I would replace the shoes just to be done with it, you'll understand why when you start doing it.
here's a tip: needle nose vise grips work good for the springs.

[captainpartytime]

Replace the drums along with the shoes and new springs. I did this and it made a HUGE difference. They're relatively cheap for the performance and piece of mind.
_________________
-Kerry

1982 turbo diesel Westfalia

[mrhooie]

Thanks for the quick replies. I should have mentioned that I did get the drum off error free and there's tons left on the shoes and drum. They were indeed changed 4000 or so kms ago.

I should have mentioned I do have the Bentley. After a lot of reading, It was the 1st part I ordered in addition to the new Master Cylinder that had to be replaced.

The Bentley does not mention removing the wheel cylinders at all by themselves, I thought there "might" have been a way around the complete disassembly.

I guess I loosen that hub nut and pull the whole beast. Will the hub come apart or do I need a puller? The 1st drum was a breeze

[mrhooie]

[MarkWard]

You should be able to remove the wheel cylinders with the hub in place. You could probably sneak the wheel cylinder out without even removing the shoes. A word of caution about needle nose pliers and springs. I watched a mechanic stick a pair of needle nose into his lower lip trying to install a brake spring. The needle nose slipped while he was pulling towards himself. I prefer to use a pair of side cutters or dykes. They will grab the spring well without applying too much pressure. Good luck.