In the northeast the rust can really change how certain jobs go. In this case removing a brake drum can be a real pain. Using a puller can be a real game changer.
-Enjoy!
Astro Pneumatic Tool 78830 Heavy Duty Hub Drum and Rotor Puller Kit: https://amzn.to/3Qny9XQ
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Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

99 thoughts on “Must have rotor drum removal tool”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robs Device Unknown says:

    Man I am SOOOO glad i live in Georgia. I couldn't handle working on rust belt cars.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars dewey do do says:

    when i see that dust from brake drum removal, I think asbestos .

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Wes Hawkins says:

    Iโ€™ve had one of those for about 60 years. Damn good puller.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars CrimeVid says:

    Put a bit of timber in the centre of the drum and HIT it (after applying a little heat) Shouldnโ€™t take too much ! Iโ€™ve never seen a drum remover in use before !

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars paul joey says:

    Cool

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dan says:

    Bought one of these year ago. Thought I'd hardly use it. Wow, was I wrong.

    Only complaint was they didn't want to always grab the drum, but a little touch with the angle grinder to make sure the grip surface was flat fixed that…

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robert Bell says:

    I will never again buy any car with drum brakes

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars plasmahead2 says:

    I really wished you lived closer to Albany…
    That being said, can I trade welding work for automotive work? I have an 88 ford 250 that I want to keep forever and I can weld any metal on a car that you come across. Im close to albany but id travel to do whatever welding work you might come across if you would be up for it.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mightywasp 12 says:

    I needed this tool for my dads Colorado truck. I could not take them off with a passion.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 317eltoro says:

    Thank you I will get mine

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Frank Pickett says:

    Looks handy, and usable on any type of drum brake (the one where the studs and bearings are in the drum (Euro cars, older Subarus) or the type where the drum sits on a spindle). While in Europe, I used a bolt-down puller on my old Renault (it's a studs-in-drum type) because the drum was stuck when one shoe's friction material came away from the backing (they're bonded, not riveted) and jammed into the other shoe. It's a common problem with those types of bonded shoes and no amount of backing off the adjuster could do anything to free it. Apparently some Ford trucks with ZF automatics have the parking brake drum mounted to the back of the transmission, and those also have bonded shoes which can come apart and jam up after years of use (especially in the rust belt), even if the brakes are seldom used and there's plenty of material left. Not a good design, IMO. Rivets usually don't fail spontaneously like the bonded type does.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars alanryderb says:

    No air lines died in the making of this video

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars dchawk81 says:

    This happened to my semi. I wedged my floor jack between the frame and the lip of the drum and eventually got it to pop.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brian Smith says:

    I enjoy watching your channel I have been a mechanic for 40 years and find tips you share helpful. The funny thing is my father grew up in Avoca and my grand parents did as well and lived there their whole lives. I spent many summers there and many February vacations there too.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris says:

    Like your stuff. Subscribed this morning. In one of your videos you were having tech issues. You might want to reach out to fellow Youtuber's: JTC (Jayz two cents) or LTT (Linus Tech Tips). I would be shocked if they wouldn't give you good advice on audio/video/lighting equipment and some useful tips. Just a thought.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris Crusader says:

    Good show old bean!!!

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Relay TeK says:

    Good tool to have, saves a lot of beating, prying and it saves the day….!

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Yeltsin Rodriguez says:

    Actually I bought that tool and doesnโ€™t work for me a Chelsea and hammer do the whole job

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars gertry berty says:

    WHAT!? not the CLASSIC !??

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tracy Hawley says:

    Asbestos dust and no mask. How bad can it be?

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars like a rock cm says:

    Wonder why you can't rent a specific tool like this one?

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars onenikkione says:

    Life is easier with the right tools

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars another640 says:

    Remember last time when you`ve used it you made some insane sounds and your hose was cutted off)). This time you secured it

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Chiodetti says:

    Tool does the job.

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robert F says:

    Hard to tell but are the shoe's in the wrong position

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DullOnion says:

    Another great video sirโ€ฆ

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ToughAncientSpark says:

    Yes, we here in The Great Industrial Northeast have our own set of special issues to deal with vehicles and create our own custom set of removal tools!๐Ÿ˜‚

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars I Paddle My Own Canoe. says:

    That's good. Little tool. Definitely going to have one if you doing a lot of great jobs. ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ™‚๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars john beckett says:

    Good advice with the wheel nut ๐Ÿ˜€

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Remco W says:

    I bought that tool a couple of years ago because you used it in one of your videos where the drum went flying. I'm not a pro but help people out where I can so have done a fair bit of drum brakes. In CT, stuff gets stuck but any tool that can make a drum fly belongs in my shop. ๐Ÿ™‚

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steven Claggett says:

    I remember using a sledge hammer to destroy rear drums on a 60 something Dodge 4X4. Had to remove in pieces.

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars erg0centric says:

    It's a Jeep thing, you wouldn't understand why it doesn't have disk brakes.

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Scott Farris says:

    If Eric didnโ€™t clarify in his comment that Big Nasty was still around, there would have been some disappointed fans.

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Glenn Young says:

    Thank you for your videos please keep them coming.

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Flanagan says:

    Damn rust-belt cars!

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars BADD400 CB700 drums says:

    Big nasty to strong for that. Using light sauce air hammer lol

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars derek palmer says:

    your not worried by asbestos then as you did not wear a mask

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Don Kaiser says:

    Didn't even need to use "Big Nasty"!

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Johannemann says:

    As the adage states, you need to spend money to make money. Very informational video as always, thank you.

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Frank Keel says:

    We can buy new drums but not new lungs!

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Frank Keel says:

    No asbestos dust mask?

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Torsee says:

    Hey Mr. O
    How is Mrs. Oโ€™s van doing with the new brakes?
    I am about due for van brakes.

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Will Hollatz says:

    Okay Mr New York mechanic been watching your videos now for maybe a month going back a few years I thought you were good mechanic where's the rivet on those brake shoes that just proves my point got to stop watching you too like every other hack mechanic out there I thought you were good

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars SeymourPipeline says:

    Whenever I find a set of then that are really stuck, I cut the pins off in the back that hold the shoes in place. Just doing that really seems to help a lot.

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars five0pd310 says:

    Dang…that looked simple.

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars R R says:

    Are you sure that adjustable is big enough? ๐Ÿ™‚

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars George Bell says:

    ๐Ÿ‘

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars andy de la rue says:

    Thanks for that , it still blows me away how much salt kill cars, it a hard life when it gets that cold.

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rubbishcop says:

    Brake drums are made with steel discs for the wheel stud part that incorporate dovetails which are moulded into the cast steel brake drum in the foundry.

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brian P says:

    loosin the shoes you dummy

  51. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steven herd says:

    Pretty cool tool

  52. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Vic Ferrariโ€™s garage says:

    Pampering the safety Queenโ€™s!
    As if it could go flying! Lol

  53. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars keltecshooter says:

    The lug nut is great idea, I could see that popping off and potentially landing on an air hose……..

  54. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rob Peabo says:

    I am soo glad that rust is a non-event where I live, unless you live on one of the islands or drive on the beach or back into the sea when launching a boat, rust is a non-event. If you are unlucky, you might need to give the drums a gentle tap with a hammer. I have never had an issue pulling mist drums or rotors off with my hands!

  55. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ron watson says:

    That is definately a good tool to have. I hate drum brakes anyway! Thanks again.

  56. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lambo6fo says:

    I live in southwestern Ontario, warmest spot in Canada. Drum brakes are the hardest thing on the planet to get off. This tool looks amazing ๐Ÿ‘

  57. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars michael thompson says:

    More than half of that job is having the right toolโ€ฆ.

  58. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars bill8by5 says:

    Did you ever replace Venassa's rear brakes on the Kia? Where da video???

  59. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gary Finch says:

    Yeah, Ok I'm from the UK, but its great to hear someone calling the nuts that hold the wheels on by the correct term. WHEEL NUTS. I have no idea what a LUG is, so why would it need nuts to hold it on? ๐Ÿ™‚

  60. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark McKelvy says:

    Ahhh Texas, we just ask politely for the drum to fall off and it does.

  61. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joe Bledsoe says:

    This is why I always always put a touch of anti seize on the flange face and register for drums (if so equipped) on my own vehicles.

  62. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars con fuse says:

    Are the shoes backwards on that jeep?

  63. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Freiherr Dinckelacker says:

    My mom and dad both retired from Bendix. My dad taught me to use side dikes and pull the nails and cut them and the shoes will release off of the drums. That is the Ohio dairy farmer way to release the drum and save money!

  64. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! scotty moondog jakubin says:

    If the pads wore into the drum that bad just pull the drum off and the shoes and hardware and replace new ! every tire rotation service the rear drums ! I get 300, 000 miles out my rear drums and excellent pedal feel !

  65. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Bazinet says:

    What happened to Big Nasty ?

  66. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars david francisco says:

    I watched a guy use that tool on a rotor and all hell broke loose. Ended up flying apart and cutting his air hose in half. I think it was that same tool anyways

  67. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Peter Mitropoulos says:

    Looks like the last guy put the shoes on backwards

  68. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brandon Link says:

    My most important tool for removing brake drums is the empty space between my ears, remembering to release the damn parking brake before spending a half hour beating and prying on them helps tremendously.

  69. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars pat g says:

    My Dad's gone now, but I still have his. Thanks Dad, I miss you. ๐Ÿ’—

  70. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cameradoctor says:

    Would have been handy for me months ago when I had to roll a 1961 Project car out of it's slumber, and the brakes were seized solid ….

  71. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars camram says:

    Reminds me of the Mazda 6 videoโ€ฆ. Tool ended up cutting the air hoseโ€ฆ ๐Ÿ˜…

  72. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Hight says:

    Will that fit on rear rotors too? 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee? I beat the living day light on then could move so stuck!

  73. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Smith says:

    Give it the Beans!!

  74. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DaddyBeanDaddyBean says:

    Pretty sure you used that to pull a rotor in a previous video – possibly off a Mazda? – and the rotor let go quite violently, fell to the floor and chopped off an air hose.

  75. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William T. Musil says:

    Hiya Eric

  76. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hugh says:

    I remember borrowing a huge 3 leg puller to remove the rear drums on a 1950s Dodge. Chrysler used to have tapered axels that rusted onto the drum/hub. Thanks for your videos.

  77. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 2DogsVlogs says:

    Shouldn't go flinging anyways. Famous last words. Seen that happen too you before Eric.

  78. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bowhunters says:

    Outstanding tool and well built (it ain't no flimsy tool) !

  79. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stanley Thigpen says:

    Eric, I always enjoy your videos. Living in the south I never cease to be astounded at the rusted out vehicles which you repair, some of which I find it hard to believe that the owners would put on the road. This video reminds me of working on my Dad's early 50s Chrysler New Yorkers. He had a '52 and '53. A somewhat similar puller was needed to remove the rear brake shoes on these old Chrysler products.

  80. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joseph Rosella says:

    They must use the same concentration of steel disolving chemicals up there as here in W Pa. cars just rust away!

  81. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Matrix Clone says:

    Great tip

  82. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars zig zak says:

    Who remembers the mazda video ๐Ÿ˜‚

  83. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Core Turkoane says:

    What vehicle is he working on?

  84. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jim D says:

    The last time I had to change drum brakes was on my 2002 Mercury Sable. Didn't have the "right" tool, but I did have a 4 pound sledge. Turns out those drums crack nicely after a few hard hits, and if it's in pieces it can't be stuck…

  85. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Liam Clarke says:

    OH!!! That spoils all the fun… much prefer all the pounding, sweat, and swearing my wife makes while she pulls those suckers off!!! ๐Ÿ˜‰

  86. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars bugdog9 says:

    Salt sucks,,,

  87. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Justa Hasbeen says:

    Wait?!? Did "big nasty" quit?

  88. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jon Miner says:

    Hi, Mr. O. Thanks for the heads up regarding screwing on a bolt. I probably would have just cranked on it till it flew off and broke something. Thanks for sharing! Stay Healthy!

  89. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jim Harmon says:

    When you put the new drum on smear the drum to axle surfaces with anti seize compound to make the next removal easier should it ever be done again. I have had time I wish I had that puller!

  90. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DIG 5050 says:

    Drum brakes, no bueno. Disk brakes, ๐Ÿ‘. Lucky you have all those cool tools. Remember, if you can do it, I can try to do it!

  91. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rich Glunt says:

    what happened to BIG NASTY?

  92. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ryan H says:

    What no strap? You want another drum fling and hose cut, LOL? One of the best SMA moments on youtube!

  93. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lou says:

    I ended up buying the OTC 6980 Heavy Duty Brake Drum and Rotor Puller late last year (a bit cheaper) and it even came with a ratcheting strap to put around the puller to prevent the clamps from popping off under tension. It was a bit cheaper when I got it ($114.99) its now $133.00! This tool is awesome! My drums on my 22ish yr old 98' Camry were also rust jacked around the hub. That POP sound of the puller breaking away the rust bond scared the hell outta me but also put a smile on face! I wouldn't recommend using an impact gun tbh. You can use it to snug up the bolt and put tension on the drum but use a 1/2 rachet to finish the removable because it can get gnarly on ya quick!

  94. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jack002tuber says:

    I needed this tool when I was in high school. What a great thing

  95. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Krankie V says:

    BRB, gotta order this tool. Thanks Eric

  96. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 5Dale65 says:

    I always get a 5kg hammer and start whackin on it all over. But it is imperative that there are no wheel studs. Otherwise most of them will be destroyed no matter what ๐Ÿ™‚

  97. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MeMakeSparks says:

    What diameter will it go up to?

  98. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lefty O says:

    thats a little slicker than the 5# hammer i learned on!!

  99. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brown Green says:

    This is why I oil EVERYTHING, including my brakes.

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