Can't remove brake drum

[Deleted]

Hi, I have just replaced the master cylinder for my 1973 Franklin Arrow thinking it was ceased up ( the lever would not budge and was not activating the brakes) but after doing that the lever would still not move.  It was fine while I bled the brakes but as soon as I tightened the bleeder valves (either side) the lever would not budge.  So I tried to have a look inside the drum to see what was happening but could not get it off. I removed the pin and nut but couldn't pull the drum off. Having never done this before is there a trick to getting it off? Or do I need a special tool?
Also does anyone know what might be going on?  Any help would be greatly appreciated?  
Thanks 

[drylander]

If the wheel is on a jack can you turn it? If not I think your brakes are locked onto the drum. You need to loosen the brake shoes off a little so the drum can be removed. There may be an adjuster that you can move but failing that maybe open the bleeder nipple and see if the wheel will turn and then try to remove the drum.
Pete

[Deleted]

The wheel still spins ok (there is a little rubbing) so the shoes aren't locked onto the drum, but I think they're still locked or jammed. I just can't get the drum off to see. Is there something inside the drum that could be jammed?
Thanks Pete.

[kiwijim]

Howdy nez,
O.K. So it sounds like it's time to show your van Who's Boss,
First make sure the axle is jacked up on solid blocks and well clear of the ground,
next remove the dust cap, split pin,& axle nut,
next wind back the brake adjuster so the wheel spins freely,
grab a tire leaver or long screw driver,
push this between the rear of the drum and the backing plate,
now, while gently applying pressure away from you (towards the middle of the van),
tap the bearing housing several times with a heavy hammer or Gympie,
turn the drum a quarter turn and apply pressure to the tire leaver again in this position and tap the housing again.
keep turning the drum another quarter turn and keep repeating this procedure until the drum comes loose.

A lot of times the cause of a sticking drum is because the inner oil seal has become overheated and has glued its self to the axle.
"give it a go Ya never know"

kiwijim

[Deleted]

Yep had the same problem with my Franklin Hunter, had to muscle the drum off because the seal had been baked on after the brakes stayed on.
Scotty

[Deleted]

Excellent, I can now try to remove those rotten drums that seem to be welded on! They are overdue for a service but just haven't been able to remove them.