Replacing a Rear Axle Seal on a 1924 Coupe

After my T didn't want to stop, I raised the rear end and placed the axle on jackstands.  After pulling the emergency brake to the rear, I found I could still rotate the rear wheels.  By all I have read, these should lock.

Removal of the rear wheel is accomplished by removing the rear hub cap, turning it counter-clockwise.  Under the cap, is a castelated nut, held in place by a cotter pin.  Compress the cotter pin, and tap it out or use pliers to remove it.   Then, unscrew the axle nub, in a counter-clockwise manner.

If you are lucky, the wheel will slide off the axle.  If not, you may have to resort to kicking it from the inside or use a hub puller (available at the various car part dealers).

Figure 1

(Figure 1) represents my initial findings.  Obviously, the oil seals have failed.  Start by removing the springs.  Take a piece of coat hanger, make a small U-shaped hook on one end.  On the other, make a loop you can get your middle finger in.  Hook the U-shaped hook on a spring end, and pull downwards, unhooking the spring from the bottom of the brake shoe.  Do the same for the other spring.   Examine these and if worn from the brake hub nuts, put on order.

The bolt that holds the brake shoe on is threaded and has a castleated nut behind the rear hub brake plate.  Remove the cotter pin, the nut, and unscrew the bolt (3/4-inch).  If you are lucky, your brake shoe is still in one piece.  It is cast iron.  If it is in 2 pieces, the mechanics of yesteryear probably broke the shoe to aid in removal, by not having to unscrew the brake shoe pivot bolt.  Now is a good time to order replacement lined brake shoes. (that is if you want to stop).