Brake queries, your advice sought...thank you!

[Mike Shipman]

Hi, my Traveller has been laid up in the car port for a number of years and I am slowing working at getting it going again.
I have the engine running and have freed up the rear (previously seized) wheels.
I am currently trying to free up the front wheels which are also seized, i have been unsuccessful so far and I think I now need a hub puller, any suggestions?,
Screwfix do one which is listed as 6" for £15, if that is the length of the 3 arms would that work on the front hubs which ar 8"?
With regard to replacement parts, I am looking at parts on the ESM site and not sure how far I need to go with replacing what...
I will post some pics (they are on my phone currently) that might indicate what's required, any suggestions would be great fully received!
Thanks.

[Mike Shipman]

Here are some photos....

[Mike Shipman]

Here is the drum, it is slightly scored...

[philthehill]

As regards a puller - this is all you need. The Mini and the Minor have the same PCD for the wheel studs.
I also have a slide hammer which can be attached to it.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Austin-Mini-C ... xy9MpSP2PB

This comes cheaper and has a ball joint splitter as well.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-Mini- ... SwuMZZDvFk

[beero]

Undo the adjusters and the bleed valves and use a big screwdriver through the hole on the drum to lever the shoes away from the drum. The linings must be stuck in place with rust or with the ridge that forms inside the drum. I'm sure they will come off with enough swearing!

[kennatt]

If you are saying that he front wheels are stuck ie as a result of the brakes being rusted on,common after a long stand,but the engine is running, just start it up and drive it out of the garage it will free up the brakes . Then you can work on getting the drums off.

[Mike Shipman]

Hi Kennat, thanks for that but I tried that but it wouldn't move (as the brakes are stuck...).

[liammonty]

Try being a bit more aggressive with it

As an aside, those rear drums and linings don't look too bad to me. I'd reuse them, but would be inclined to fit new wheel cylinders. The rear pattern cylinders are OK, and quite a bit cheaper than the 'genuine' ones - don't use pattern ones for the front though, as they are a poorer design and many people have suffered premature failures with them - not great ona car with a single-circuit brake system.

Looks as though the linings in your picture are asbestos, so don't go sanding them and snorting the dust...

[kennatt]

if driving it fails then,then you have a REAL PROBLEM ,as above give it some stick they will free off.

[philthehill]

Slacken the brakes right off - Remove grease cap and hub nut - Put the puller on the hub - Put pressure on the hub puller and radially bang the brake drum hard.
The combined pressure of the puller and the hard banging should part the linings/shoes from the drum.
If you are not going to use the original brake shoes you can spray a good dose of release oil into the drum through the adjustment hole and leave overnight. Then attempt the process above.

[Mike Shipman]

The Screwfix hub puller worked, now got all four wheels freed up. Now to order some replacement parts.
Thanks for the advice guys.

[Mike Shipman]

Brake overhaul kit ordered from ESM... hopefully start work on them on Monday (unless they arrive tomorrow of course).
Happy days!

[dalebrignall]

if you ordered before 3 pm i bet you have your brake bits tomorrow esm are very good

[Mike Shipman]

ESM package arrived this morning, I assumed that the "brake overhaul kit" would include all the bits to overhaul, but It doesn't , had to order springs to hold on brake shoes separately also the flexible hoses that join to the cylinders. So, another order placed with ESM and hopefully have everything to start tomorrow.
In the meantime, I wire brushed all the surface rust off the inside of my front wheels, applied Kurust then a coat of satin black Hammerite, they look really good!

[Mike Shipman]

Well Ive spent a number of occasions attempting to get under the car to remove / cut off / replace the corroded brake parts. A mixture of my arthritis and just having the car up on axle stands has meant awkward access and slow / little progress.
So, Ive decided to take the plunge and get my local garage to replace the brake parts.
I think I should stand more of a chance dealing with the issues above, as opposed to beneath, my traveller.