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MG MGA - Front Drums: what is the trick ?

It is not often that I am confronted by something new on an MGA, but I am rebuilding the front end suspension of a WW drum braked car and need a trick to block the hubs from turning while I undo the five nuts that secure the drum to the hubs. The hubs themselves are severely rusted on the splines and I have to change them for new ones. If the rest of the car is a guide I will probably find a braking system in need of a total overhaul once I get inside the drums. I started to do the trunnion seals during the week, and the distance tubes have NO grease and two are worn 1mm undersized and there is no plating left on them at all. That requires two new trunnions (or at least a good used set that I have in the cellar) in addition to the new distance tubes, seals, top hat washers and bolts.

All the tricks of the trade are welcome before I have to get a second body to sit in the driver's seat and use the foot brake to let me remove the nuts.
dominic clancy

Try a broom jammed on the brake pedal and the handle wedged on the seat back
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

Air impact wrench on the nuts.

-Del
D Rawlins

just a tap with a hammer on a spanner works: just holding the drum steady with one hand & spanner resting on nut.
mog

Just stick a jack under the brake drum and put a bit of the weight of the car on it. Did it last week works a treat.

Alan
AR Terry

The neighbours go crazy if I use the impact wrench and / or compressor on a Sunday....

The jack trick sound like a good candidate, thanks to all for the fast suggestions

I am sure I'll be back on this topic once I look inside the drums...
dominic clancy

Do it on a Saturday Dominic!
Art Pearse

This thread was discussed on 19/04/2015

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