I want to replace them on my GMC and thought it would be simple. However I can barely see the park brake mechanism after removing the drums. Is it necessary to remove the hub for this job? If so is there a special tool needed to remove and retorque the bearings after pulling the axels out? Thanks for any help on this.
Proper tools for removing axle nuts, etc. are readily available, cheap, will last through several trucks, do not uses chisel and hammer. Jack up subject axle end to keep oil from running out or drain it all, remove axle and hub, if you cannot see ebrake assembly, finish job. If bearing nuts are buggered by some previous mechanic, clean them up while you are at it.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires. '47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle. '54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed. '55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
Thanks Ed. I prefer to have correct tools before starting a job I am not familiar with and have no problem with buying them. The nearest town from my place is 30 minutes and it is aggravating to stop in the middle of something and waste a good chunk of a precious day off to go hunting for what is needed. Did you keep the rear axle, hubs and so forth on your 250? My question is do I need a special tool to remove the hub nut? If it is not a socket, what is special about it where can I find one?
Rent the tool at O'Reilly. Fee is refunded when tool is returned.
You folks with 3100 pickups are lucky there is so a huge amount of information out there to help you. It seems that no matter what I need to do to my truck I cannot find any specific information to help. Although that is very frustrating I think that is one of the reasons this hobby is so interesting and rewarding when a mission is accomplished.
I was unable to see behind my shoes to understand how the park brake cable ends were connected. My brakes are huck style and the shop manual doesn't have any illustrations or useful information about them. I had no luck finding help here at Stovebolt, youtube or elsewhere. I had to pull my axles and remove my hubs and shoe mounting plates just to finally see how the park brake cable ends are connected. I was expecting to find a clevis pin and C clip but was very surprised when I found how easy this could have been!
