Motorcycle Repair: Rear tire Removal, drum brake, rear axle

Question
I have just recently bought a 1974 Yamaha TX. The bike is in decent shape but has not ridden for a while. I decided to completely rebuild this bike. The rear brakes seem to be locked up and I need to remove the rear tire to access the brake drum. I have removed all brake lines and wires which run into the drum. I have also removed both the axle nut and carter pin holding the axle in place. The repair manual says after doing this to tap the axle with a rubber hammer to push the axle out the other side. The axle spins freely but will only move a little when tapped with a hammer. I just wanted to know if maybe I have missed a step some where. I have followed the manual step by step but still will not remove. Any help you can give me would be much appreciated. I have also removed the chain. Thanks again

Answer
You did not provide the information I need to answer your question. I have little or no knowledge about models outside my expertise and a complete model number is absolutely necessary for me to find the information with Google. I have just spent about 1/2 hour finding out that the only Yamaha TX in 1974 was the TX750. You also didn't say where you are, so I will assume you are North American and provide information on that basis.

I do not have access to a TX750 shop manual, but from studying online fiches of this model I have found the following:

You do not need to remove the tire to access the brake, but you do need to remove the wheel from the bike and then remove the axle from the wheel. (If the bike has been unused for several years you should remove & replace the tires before taking it on the road - any tire over 5 years old should be considered unsafe.)

From what I can see, the rear wheel can be removed from the swingarm with the axle in placeby removing the blocks at the rear end of the swingarm. Remove the bolts that retain the blocks, loosen or remove the axle nut, loosen the locknuts on the chain adjuster bolts and back the adjuster bolts all the way out. At this point you should be able to move the axle forward in the swingarm enough to get the chain off of the sprocket and draw the wheel, axle, brake &c out of the swingarm. If you still can't get the chain off look for the masterlink and remove the chain that way. If there is no masterlink you should use a chain breaker to remove it or cut the chain off - it most likely needs to be replaced anyway and a modern o-ring type will be a lot easier to maintain (don't forget to replace the sprockets too - worn sprockets can wear out a new chain in half it's normal life).

Once the wheel &c are out of the frame, try tapping the axle with the rubber hammer again. If it still doesn't move the axle is siezed into the spacer or a bearing and you will need to apply more force. Find something solid that will support the brake plate but with an opening for the axle and try a heavier mallet - I usually use a 2 Lb. deadblow hammer (a rubber hammer with weight cast inside it). If that doesn't work you will need to use a steel hammer and a heavy brass drift (never hit the axle directly with a steel hammer as it will mash the threads). Again, make sure that the brake plate is well supported near the axle so that you do not break something.
You might also want to try a quality penetrant like PB Blaster. Spray it onto the exposed ends of the axle and give it a bit of time to soak into the space between the axle & the spacers & bearings. NOTE: WD-40 is not a penetrant and will not help.

I highly recommend finding a good online usergroup (discussion forum) that specializes in bikes like yours. When you get into working on parts of the bike that require more specific information it will be an invaluable source of information.

Please let me know if this helps. If this does not help please feel free to ask another expert who may have actual experience with your model.