When your car’s rear drums are fused to the hub flange, it can be quite frustrating. For those who may not be familiar, the hub flange is the area that’s attached to the rear axle and the rear wheel bearings. It’s important to keep this part in good condition because if it fails, it could cause damage to your car’s braking system and, worse, cause an accident.
One common issue with the hub flange is rust. If you’ve experienced difficulty removing the rear drums of your car, most likely, it’s because of rust. This type of problem can arise usually from driving in areas where there’s a lot of road salt or if you’ve been driving on wet roads or through puddles.
Here we’ll discuss some steps you can take to remove rear drums that are fused to the hub flange and also how to prevent rust build-up in the future.
Removing Rear Drums Fused to Hub Flange
When you encounter this kind of issue, it’s important to handle it with care, especially if you’re planning to do it yourself. Here are some steps you can take to remove the rear drums from hub flange that has rusted:
1. Soak the rear drums and the hub flange with a rust penetrant. This solution will work to break down the rust that’s binding the drum and hub together. Use a penetrating oil (need remove brand name) solution and let it rest for an hour.
2. Hit the rear drum with a hammer lightly. Try not to make too much noise but hit around the edges of the drum can help loosen the rust but if doesn’t work to go on step 3
3. Use a brake adjustment tool to loosen the brake pads from the drum.
4. Apply heat. Using a propane torch, heat the area where the drum meets the hub flange. The heat will help expand the metal and loosen the rust around the hub flange.
5. Use a puller. If steps one to four didn’t work, use a drum puller. They are readily available at most auto parts stores. Once attached to the rear drum, turn the center bolt to tighten and pull the drum away from the hub flange.
Preventing Rust Build-up in the Future
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some steps you can take to prevent rust build-up on your car’s hub flange and rear drums in the future.
1. Inspect the brakes regularly. If the brake pads are worn out, the drums tend to come into contact with the hub flange, which can cause rust to build up.
2. Keep your car clean. Cleaning your car at least once every two weeks will help remove any salt, dirt, or road debris that’s collected on your wheels.
3. Use sealant or anti-rust products. Use a rust inhibitor or sealant to help prevent rust from building upon the hub flange and drums. WD-40 or multipurpose lubricant (need remove brand name) might work fine.
4. Drive carefully. Avoid driving through puddles, and try to avoid salty roads as much as possible.
In conclusion, removing the rear drums fused to the hub flange of your car can be challenging, but the tips provided above should help you tackle the issue with ease. Taking precautions to prevent rust build-up in the future is also essential in keeping your car in good condition. Regular cleaning, inspections, and using rust inhibitors are just a few steps you can take to keep your car running smoothly. Do everything possible to keep your car in excellent shape, and it’ll serve you well for years to come.