Removing brake drums

[stevenf]

Trying to inspect the brakes on my 8.8 before installing it on my BII. Cant get the drums off. I have taken the rubber plugs out and turned the brake tensioner all the way in both directions and the damn thing wont come off. Beat it with hammer, wont move. When I turn the tensioner one direction, it doesnt want to move at all. When I turn the tensioner the other direction, there is about a 1/4" of play in the drum. Whats the trick to these things?

 

[Mark_88]

They tend to rust around the bolts and in the center so hitting with a hammer is not usually enough...a sledge hammer would be better...and tapping them on the edge so that you're hitting towards the center is a good idea...they will come off, it just may take a bit more effort than what you've put in so far...you can also try spraying some penetrating oil around the center and the bolts...