The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun Brake drum gasket

I just installed my drums on my ‘52 3100. (I know this post is about a 3800 but suspect it may still apply). I just went thru replacing axle oil seals and bearings. On the back side of the axle flange, is a stamped steel part called a oil deflector on the 3100 and called an oil slinger on the 3600/3800. The purpose of this deflector (on the 3100) is to catch and divert any axle fluid that weeps past the oil seal and direct it out a hole in the axle flange so it doesn’t contaminate the brake shoes. The brake drum also has that hole to pass any leakage to the outside of the drum. Without a gasket between the axle and the drum to create a seal, some of that fluid could potentially still get inside the drum.

EDIT: The pictures show the oil deflector, the hole thru the axle flange and the hole thru the drum and the gasket I made out of a brown paper bag. The drum has a tab that I assume if it was bent over would prevent you from installing the drum incorrectly blocking the weep hole.

Now I’ve never worked on a 3800 and do not claim to be an expert, but the “49 - 51 Chevrolet Truck Shop Manual” shows that gasket and states the importance of insuring a seal between the drum and hub by replacing it with new, but stops short on telling you the reason why.