Date:         Thu, 20 Jul 2000 15:24:18 -0700
Reply-To:     Jeanne Maly <traveller57@cableone.net>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeanne Maly <traveller57@cableone.net>
Subject:      Re: Huge Nut on Rear Drum
Comments: To: Daniel Schmitz <djs@gene.com>
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

Isn't it a 46 mm axle tool?

Jeanne

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Daniel Schmitz 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2000 3:04 PM
  Subject: Re: Huge Nut on Rear Drum


  42mm, I think. Type 1 VW's (bugs) used a 36mm nut, Type IIs and Vanagons use a 42mm version of same. 
  Actually, you may not be able to get it off with just a socket and ratchet. It's supposed to be on with a couple hundred ft/lbs of torque. Unless you have a large breaker bar and can exert sufficient leverage, you may need to get the special tool that is designed to loosen these. This is a special flattened, 1/2" drive steel socket having an extension with two flat sides on it designed for hammering on. You place it over the axle nut, place a ratchet or breaker bar in the 1/2" drive, and while pressing down on the ratchet you simultaneously hammer on the flat side to break the nut free. I believe these are simply called axle nut removers, and any VW parts place or large FLAPS should carry them. All Type IIs and Vanagons use an axle nut to retain the hub, so you should be able to find one. 

  Not sure, though, why the hub has to be loosed to get the drum off. Even if you have grooves worn in your drum, backing off the brake shoes, using a rust dissolver and tapping the drum with a mallet should loosen it. 

  Dan 

  Gary Stearns wrote: 

    I will very soon need to replace rear brake on our '88 GL.   A few days ago I checked the Bentley, took a rear wheel off to consider how big a job this was going to be.  Bentley says the rear hub castellated nut has to come off to get the drum off.  Seems unecessary, but also seems no way to get a drum puller around the edges of the drum.  OK, what size socket do I need.  Geeeez, this thing measures 45mm!  (clatter of sockets being pushed around in the toolbox) I don't see one of those in here!  My largest socket is 24mm.  Went to 2 FLAPS (Hey Tony! You ever see a 45mm socket?) and a Sears.  FLAPS can order it for me from a specialty tool company for $55.  No, I'll check with The List first.   Do I need this blammit thing?  Can one be had cheaper? Thanks - Gary
  -- 
  Dan 
  __________________________________________________ 
  Dan Schmitz - Genentech Automation Engineering 
  djs@gene.com (650) 225-6119 
  __________________________________________________ 

  "I'll so offend to make offense a skill 
  Redeeming time when men least think I will" 

  W. Shakespeare 
  Henry IV, Part 1 
    


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