Melex 412 Brake help

jfromtx

Hello, cart newbie here. Trying to remove brake drum on an old Melex 412 cart I just got so I can tighten the brakes. I cannot for the life of me remove the drum. I let parking brake off and it will turn just fine, but can't get it to come off. Is a sliding hammer the only solution? Thanks for the help!

BGW

__________________
This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

mixdenny

If this a rear wheel brake drum fitted like an automotive drum, they tend to rust and stick to the hub. They are an easy press fit when new. I used to heat the flat face of the drum with a torch, just moving the heat around the hub. They usually break loose with a pop. A Bernz-O-Matic is fine.

Dennis

jfromtx

Appreciate the reply! I started doing that night before last with the heat gun and it seemed to budge just a little bit. I've been banging the heck out of it, used PB Blaster on it every night this week and been using a puller on it. I've attached some pics of what I'm working with. I would just cut it off and replace it but being a Melex there's not a ton of parts out there, I hate to destroy it.

One thing I wondered was if it could be because it's keyed as well? Does that have it locked up good? Would I need to drill the key out or something to get it off there?

Attached Images

	2.jpg (89.9 KB, 0 views)
	1.jpg (178.2 KB, 0 views)
	3.jpg (72.5 KB, 0 views)
	4.jpg (76.7 KB, 0 views)
	5.jpg (67.7 KB, 0 views)

mixdenny

Yeah, I bet the key makes it a lot tougher to pull. If you are using a jaw type puller that hooks on the rim of the brake drum, those often do not work. As you apply pressure the drum distorts and makes the hub fit even tighter. I don't think a heat gun will be hot enough. I always used an oxy-acteylene torch but a propane torch should do it.

You need a lot of heat quickly around the center. Then just tap the back edge of the drum using a hammer and punch.

My Melex uses a different set up. I don't think I have ever seen a Melex parts diagram to get a good look at what you have.

If the wheel studs are part of the drum you could use a hat-style hub puller. These bolt flat to the outer surface and prevent it from warping when pulling. They can be rented at auto parts stores.

Dennis

Attached Images

hub puller.jpg (22.8 KB, 0 views)

Golf cart guy

So melex use to sell there own puller for that, but it was junk and broke after a few uses.
I bought a Snap On axle puller for heavy trucks, GM, Ford, and one of those will get it off, I still use it to this day. Don't mushroom the axle, put the castle nut on backwards and flush with the axle when you try to pull it.

jfromtx

Ok great I’ll run by O’Reilly and see if they’ve got one of those. Should’ve just done that in the first place but got some jaw-type pullers at Harbor Freight instead. I put the big propane torch to it last night and got it really hot and it didn’t do squat. My issue now I’m afraid is that the pigs are down in the drum now, I knocked them loose on accident with my hammer. Will one of those work without there being lugs to latch on to? Please advise

Also found a guy an hour from here with an entire backend of the same cart he said he’d sell me for $125....

Golf cart guy

My puller, uses 2 of the studs, should be fine

Mooncarter

I would go get it. Might come in real handy.