Can't remove counter suck screws on brake drum

Kenockee 8N · Sep 20, 2016

Hi all. I'm in the process of replacing hubs and axle shafts and I have one side apart. The other side I cannot get the counter-sunk screws that hold the drum onto the hub off. I've tried PB Blaster, heat, an impact and then a chisel hammered on the right side of the flat in a counter-clockwise direction with no luck.

I've seen other posts where people have had the same problem and drilled the head off. Seeing as the screw only holds the drums on when the tires are off, is it safe to drill them out and move on or should I continue to struggle with this? Am I missing something to try to get these off?

Thanks!

Roger in Iowa · Sep 20, 2016

Drill or grind head off with a dremel.

Bruce (VA) · Sep 20, 2016

see tip # 54
75 Tips

Kenockee 8N · Sep 20, 2016

Thanks Roger.

Off the top of your head do you know what size those screws are? As I am putting new hubs on I could replace the screws and still use them when going back together to keep it somewhat correct. Of course I would use anti-seize when going back together so that I don't have this problem if I ever have to get this far into the rear end again.

Bruce (VA) · Sep 20, 2016

" Seeing as the screw only holds the drums on when the tires are off,"

Not true.

Contrary to popular belief, the screws were not installed to keep the drum on the tractor while it was on the assembly line. If the purpose of the screws was to hold the drum on, they didn't need 4 of them. For that matter, one lug nut would have worked. And, to keep the drum on when you removed the wheel, clips are (were) used. You need to replace at least two of them. The design of the braking system requires centering the drum & the screws do that. Otherwise, only part of the shoe will contact the drum. I found replacements at the local hardware store: 3/8-16 x ? flat head stove bolts. Put plenty of Never-Seize on them.
75 Tips

Kenockee 8N · Sep 20, 2016

Thanks Bruce. See I learned something today! Does that mean I can go home now?

My hubs on the tractor must be replacements already as they only have 2 screws in them. I can see the other two holes in the drum for them but the threaded holes in the hub are not there.

Dean · Sep 20, 2016

They are usually easily removed with an impact driver.

Dean

Roger in Iowa · Sep 20, 2016

Diameter is 3/8" and maybe 1" long. Menards or most hardware stores have them.

markct · Sep 20, 2016

Drums center up pretty good on the pilot really, and to be honest I have seen a lot of tractors without the screws over the years and never seen one with a brake issue because of it. But if possible I agree replacing them is good, but I wouldn't lose any sleep over not having them either

ASEguy · Sep 21, 2016

If you are talented with an air chisel, you can remove them by digging in slightly with a chisel tip then angling away so you can lightly rap away in the counter clockwise direction. Works great and if you do it right you can still use a Phillips to screw them back in.

Kenockee 8N · Sep 21, 2016

I ended up drilling them out last night. I got some new flat head screws for the new hubs and I should be good to go. I appreciate all the tips and advice but in the end, it was just as easy to drill them out and move on.

Can't remove counter suck screws on brake drum

Kenockee 8N

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Roger in Iowa

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Bruce (VA)

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Kenockee 8N

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Bruce (VA)

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Kenockee 8N

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Dean

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Roger in Iowa

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markct

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ASEguy

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Kenockee 8N

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