The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts front brake drum dual wheel adapter?

I'm sorta stuck here. I need to remove the adapter (not sure of the right name for it so feel feel to correct me) from the front brake drum that allows the use of the dually wheels on my truck. I've taken the bolts and washers off but can't seem to get it apart. From what I can see, the bolts are the only thing that hold the adapter to the brake drum. Is there something I'm missing like a retaining ring or nut; or is it just rusted into place? If it's just rusted; are there any suggestions for getting through the rust so I can get the adapter off?

Any help is appreciated, I need to turn the drums so I can get the truck to stop in an acceptable manner.

Thanks in advance.

Please forgive me, but what are you talking about? If you're talking about the front(steering) wheels, you're probably talking about the hub itself that your wheel bolts to? Never heard of a "dual wheel adapter" on the front. If this is the animal you're talkin' about there is no need to remove it. You should be able to remove the dust cap, spindle nut, bearing, and remove the hub/drum all as one assembly. The machine shop should be able to mount the whole unit on their brake lathe. When I worked in the machine shop, I actualy preferred it when people would bring an entire assembly in, a drum by itself is more likely to vibrate and chatter while machining it.

I hope this helps at least a little. Maybe this isn't at all what you're asking about.

I assume you're talking about the spacer on the front hub that allows you to mount a deeply dished dually rim instead of the flat-centered single wheel rim. These adapters typically only mount to the front, so I assume it's just rusted in place. Might want to try heat or a healthy dose of penetrating oil.

One more thing. Even on my 99 Chevy dually, these adapters are pretty tight and require the judicious use of a "fine adjustment hammer" to get them off.

PakRat47: I guess my description was bit vague and if you don't have to mess with a dually you might not recognize it what with my poor descriptive skills. :rolleyes: Sorry. And the shop said if they had needed to be turned, they could have done it with the whole assembly. So I'm a bit wiser now.

Joe_P: Yes, that's what I'm talking about. As it turned out, the front drums don't need to be turned; so I don't have to use any "fine adjustment" tools.

Thank you both for your help.

Not a problem RockyMtn, if you don't ask, you don't know.

Not a problem RockyMtn, if you don't ask, you don't know.

Not a problem, you won't know if you don't ask.

Not a problem, you won't know if you don't ask.

i was thinking you were referring to the plate on the outermost part of the rim that covers the other 5 holes in the rim on the steering axle.
if that's what it is, then it's probably rusted together. good time to "coax" it apart, wire brush, treat rust, and paint. glad ya didn't have to turn the drums. after so many times it's bye bye brake drum (and $$$)

good luck with the project!