Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks
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Hello again and thanks for the help on my previous post. Again new to the antique Chevy world. Attached are two pictures of the brake drum from my 1930 Chevy Coupe. When I took the drums off the brake shoes were covered in grease. Ordering new seals should hopefully fix this issue. What I was curious about is the hole machined in the drum (see picture marked 1930 Chevy Front Drum #1) between two studs. I inserted a small red straw for reference. It goes all the way through the drum to the back (see picture 1930 Chevy Front Drum #2). The area highlighted in YELLOW was packed in grease. Also you can see the straw popping through the hole and a hump on the back of the plate.
- Does anyone know the reason for this hole in the drum?
- Is it to add grease to the inner bearing?
- Seems strange with no grease fitting attached.
- Would these be original drums or later aftermarket drums?
- Both drums are identical.
Thanks
Bob
Hi Bob
The area you have drawn the yellow circle in in the second picture was meant to catch the grease and/or oil (all greases wil weep some oil) that makes it's way out of the inner side of the wheel bearing area. (the brake side)
Centrifugal force was supposed to sling that grease or oil out against the sheet metal flange outside of your yellow circle, and it was supposed to work it's way into the hump or pocket, and through the hub to the outer side of the drum and be slung out and away, all this to keep the grease for making it's way onto the brakes.
As you can see, too much old grease and grime can overload the system. 🙂
Ole S Olson
Saskatoon, Sask, Canada
1139 old site posts
Also, that sheet metal ring INSIDE of your yellow circle should I believe be a seal with felt in it and look like this:
Ole S Olson
Saskatoon, Sask, Canada
1139 old site posts
The hole with the red arrows is to drain away water or excess grease/oil that might travel to the linings. There should be a grease cup on each side next to the backing plate to grease to the axle bearing. Many cups were replaced by grease fittings so excess grease could be pumped into the bearing and brake area. The felt seals will hold grease but not oil. Lip seals or sealed bearings are used by some to try to eliminate the over greasing/oiling problems.
How sweet the roar of a Chevy four
Participant on Chatter since 11/22/2001
19758 posts on the former Chatter site
Hi Chip
Are you sure there was a grease cup for the front wheel bearings in 1930?
I don't remember there being any on my '29.
I thought the only way to grease the front wheels was to remove them and clean and repack the bearings by hand at regular intervals.
Ole S Olson
Saskatoon, Sask, Canada
1139 old site posts
OOps! I was thinking rear not front hence the reference to axle bearings. You are correct the front wheel bearings were packed with grease and did not have any means of adding grease from outside the bearings. Sorry to confuse folks.
How sweet the roar of a Chevy four
Participant on Chatter since 11/22/2001
19758 posts on the former Chatter site
Ole S Olson
Saskatoon, Sask, Canada
1139 old site posts
Not only Bob but all that might search the topic later.
How sweet the roar of a Chevy four
Participant on Chatter since 11/22/2001
19758 posts on the former Chatter site
Thanks everyone for the help.
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