Brake drum screw

[Britcheflee]

Brake drum only had one flat head screw holding it in place when I took the wheel off - are these available at napa? If I make sure the single screw is on tight will it be ok? Its just to stop it spinning around isnt it?


Lee
 

[JCinKY]

[carlntexas]

My 8N didn't have any screws holding drum PO must have thrown them away. I replaced seals and brake shoes put it back without screws and it stops on a dime. I don't see why they're needed how is drum going to move after you get lug nuts on.
 

[Britcheflee]

[rossow (mn)]

I agree they're not necessary. They were probably put on at
the factory to hold the drum in place until the tire/wheel
assembly could be added, sort of an old-fashioned version of
those sheet-metal nuts that hold brake drums on newer cars
and can only be removed easily by tearing them off with a
screwdriver and pliers. You don't need them, either.
 

[Bruce (VA)]

Contrary to popular belief, the screws were not installed to keep the drum on the tractor while it was on the assembly line. If the purpose of the screws was to hold the drum on, they didn't need 4 of them. For that matter, one lug nut would have worked. And, to keep the drum on when you removed the wheel, clips are (were) used. You need to replace at least two of them. The design of the braking system requires centering the drum & the screws do that. Otherwise, only part of the shoe will contact the drum. I found replacements at the local hardware store: 3/8-16 x ¾ flat head stove bolts. Put plenty of Never-Seize on them.
50 Tips

 

[ZANE]

In my opinion the screws are not necessary for anything. They are not needed to "center" the drum. The drum fits snugly over the raised ridge on the axle hub. The wheel lug nuts keep it from moving.

That's it!

Zane
 

[36 Coupe]

The last wheel I took of an 8N didnt have any screws because Dufus left them out.As I was rolling the loaded tire foward the drum fell off.I have had a lot of car and drums fall off on the lift after I took a wheel off because Dufus left the clips off.A cast iron drum may crack.A fellow posted that he was changing a flat on the road.The drum fell off and rolled into a brook.He got wet getting the drum back.I put some grease on the threads before we had never seize.You can buy 3 new screws at any hardware store for less than a buck.
 

[36 Coupe]

The drum will move when you have to take a wheel off, right on to your foot.
 

[36 Coupe]

Another Half a mechanic with bum advice.
 

[rossow (mn)]

Seems a lot of knowledgeable people disagree with you here. The screws are nice to have if they're not broken off or whatever, but not necessary for someone who works carefully.
 

[Britcheflee]

OK, well, replaced the two on one side and the single one on the other - so should be ok
 

[36 Coupe]

Ford put 4 screws on there for a reason.Since you have just handled a Ford drum how well did it stay in place before you got a screw in place? I havent done one in 3 years but remember I wished I had 3 hands.