Locked Front Wheel

After reversing the car out of my garage I engaged first gear to find the OS front wheel brake had locked on.  What might have happened?  I can rotate the wheel backwards by hand, but forwards is locked solid.  Next problem is to get the drum off and have a look inside.  The screws securing the drum to the hub are seized.  Should I heat the screws before wading in with an impact screwdriver, or should I just go ahead with the impact screwdriver?  What is the best type of impact screwdriver for an average Joe to buy? Posted by Peter Flower 15/06/2014 15:23:52

I would recommend that you seek out a &quot;screwknocker&quot;.  See picture about half way down:  <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://lumberjocks.com/replies/on/2456585">http://lumberjocks.com/replies/on/2456585</a><!-- m -->  <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.homemadetools.net/screwknocker-3">http://www.homemadetools.net/screwknocker-3</a><!-- m -->  These are a lot easier to use, more likely to be successful and less brutal than the normal impact screwdriver. Useful for other tasks as well.  NB I assume that you will have released the cable tension with one of the brake adjusters (central or wheel specific) before you actually try to remove the drum after releasing the fixings.  Dave Posted by DaveT 16/06/2014 11:36:26

Peter, I should be careful of using too much impact for fear of the (unlikely) possibility of cracking the drum. This worked for me: clean out the slot very carefully. Soak screw in 'Plus Gas' or similar.  Use a big screwdriver that fits snugly in the slot.(Good fit important)  Put a spot of 'Screw Grab' which seems to be a sort of carborundum paste, so valve grinding paste would probably do, on the slot for added grip. (It really does help). Hold the screwdriver on the screw head and tap with a hammer a few times. Add more penetrant if desired. Push very hard against the screw and undo! It would help if an assistant could grip the screwdriver shaft with Mole Grips to provide the twisting action. I'm not necessarily saying this low-tech method will work for you, but it did for me. Nothing lost.....  John Stubberfield Posted by Stubbers 16/06/2014 16:04:39

Peter,        Re. stubbers' reply. This is exactly the method I have used with much success. Have you tried to centralise the brake shoes by backing off the adjuster and applying the brake pedal sharply?  Good luck.  Andrew Posted by tf1695 17/06/2014 11:42:23