Tractor Repair: 1944 2N brake drum removal, bearing retainer, brake drums

Question
Hi, my father and I are restoring this tractor to use at our cottage. We need to remove the drums to check the brake pads and the right brake lever does not return on its own. We are mechanically inclined and have a good selection of tools etc.

Answer
  Hello,

  There is no question here, but I will assume you want to know how to remove the brake drums.  The drums can't be removed without removing the wheel, axle bearing retainer, and axle, as the drum and axle are one unit.  After removing the wheel, unbolt the axle bearing retainer from the end of the trumpet housing.  Slide the drum and axle out to expose the brake shoes.  The shoes will probably have to be adjusted inward first, to clear the ridge that will be worn on the inside edge of the drum.  If the oil seal is leaking oil on the brake shoes, the axle bearing and collar will have to be cut off to remove the retainer from the axle to replace the seal.  Or you can get aftermarket seals from Tisco that slide over the axle and seal from the inside so the retainer, bearing and collar don't have to be removed.  But then the bearing has to be packed with grease first, because it will no longer get oil from the rear axle.  Once the drum is off, you can free up the sticking brake lever.

                 Good luck,

                      Arnie