Question ref. swapping my old beam with my new narrowed one

fozworth · Apr 29, 2015

Im soon going to be removing my old beam which currently has transporterhaus dropped spindles fitted which I will be re-using along with the trailing arms.
My question is to save me having to re bleed my brakes can I remove the drum ,unbolt the backing plate from the spindle and keep the brake hose attached ?
Or is it better to remove the drum then split the balljoints from the spindle and leave the spindle attached to the backing plate and brake line ?
Cheers ja

Clem · Apr 30, 2015

It'll be possible, but 'probably' easier to remove and then rebleed, they'll just get in the way I reckon.

Fresh brake fluid is never a bad thing

fozworth · Apr 30, 2015

Would you drop the complete beam assembly or still remove the drum /spindle from the trailing arms first

gvee · Apr 30, 2015

I'd remove the spindles before dropping the beam as this way you'll have the bus weight to push against if required..

fozworth · Apr 30, 2015

Cheers ,so to remove spindles and drums can I get away with disconnecting the brake line and removing the drum/ spindle as a whole unit?

gvee · Apr 30, 2015

Your profile info says you have a '72, but you're talking about drums up front... what year is your bus?
If it is a '72 with disk brakes, then you can just remove the caliper and support it throughout the process, without having to lose any fluid.
As for drums - I'm afraid I can't help you there as I haven't done it myself!