rpc45040

Hi
I am in the process of performing a brake job on my 60 Olds 88 2 door hardtop. I have the rear brakes done, I have never done front drums before so I have a dumb question. Does the castle nut in the center of the hub have to come off to get the drum off or does the drum just beat off? I have the shoes backed all the way off but the drum is still tight. My father-in-law says the nut does not have to come off but it seems to me like it should. Thanks for your help

Oldsmaniac

Absolutely the cotter pin comes off then the nut and washer and outer bearing then the drum.

jaunty75

Putting that castle nut back on has to be done right, too. You obviously can't just tighten it as the wheel wouldn't turn freely. The service manual for my '67 Delta 88 says to tighten the nut to 30 ft-lbs, then back it off 1/2 turn, then retighten finger-tight only, and then reinstall the cotter pin or retaining clip.

If the hole for the cotter pin doesn't align with the openings in the nut, turn the nut no more than 1/24 of a turn in either direction until it does. I just turned it in the direction requiring the least amount of movement to get it to align so the cotter pin could slide in.

I don't know that the specs above are the same for a '60, but I can't believe they're too different. Best would be to get a service manual for a '60 or find someone who has one.

redoldsman

I would hghly recommend buying a service manual before you go any farther. We are talking about a factory GM shop manual for your car, Check ebay. If you can get an original they are usually better than the repros. Prices can vary from about $30 to $80 so look at all the listings. You should be able to get one for 30-35 bucks. Anybody with an old car should have the manual.

Olds64

I agree 100%.

When you do the front brakes you can also repack the wheel bearings.

joe_padavano

You should clean, inspect, and repack the front wheel bearings at each brake job anyway. Be sure to use a new grease seal when you reassemble.

KQQLCAT

Your car has ball bearings in it so it will be different than one with roller bearings.
Pat

mpolds

I have everything for you, if you would like --

the Master Cylinder, the Wheel Cylinders, Brake Hoses, Brake Shoes, American made All - Steel Wheel Bearings, Wheel Seals, Brake Cables, and BRAKE DRUMS -- and 1 set of N.O.S. Kelsey-Hayes "Big Bells" Front Brake Drums.................

And a whole lot more for this car.........

Best to call me -- CRAIG -- 516 - 485 - 1935...........

jaunty75

This discussion took place two years ago. I'm guessing he has finished that brake job by now.