The drum on your 1949 Chrysler Plymouth is a part of the car's rear brake assembly. The 1949 Plymouth had rear drum brakes only, and brake shoes pressed outward against the drum to stop the car. The rear wheel assembly of this older model car is different from those found on today's models. For example, the 1949 wheel assembly only has three lug nuts. Furthermore, a special hub removal tool is needed to pull the hub off the older model Plymouth. This tool bolts to the three wheel studs. A hand crank is then turned, which places pressure against the wheel to pull the drum free.
Loosen the three lug nuts holding the wheel and the center axle nut with your lug wrench by turning the nuts counterclockwise. Use a 7/16-inch socket.
Slide the jack under your Plymouth's rear end and jack it up. Place the jack stands under the frame and set the Plymouth down on them.
Remove the lug nuts. Take off the wheel. Remove the axle nut by turning it counterclockwise with the socket.
Spray behind the brake drum thoroughly with spray lubricant to help loosen it.
Attach the brake drum removal tool by bolting it to the three wheel studs where the lug nuts were mounted. Use the socket set to bolt the removal tool to the wheel studs.
Crank the drum removal tool to the right until it fully depresses against the axle and you hear the drum pop free.
Unbolt the removal tool and take it off. Pull the brake drum off by hand.
