Removing rear brake hubs

As I recall, a while ago somebody on the hamb or barn claimed that the jaws on Harbor Freight's $10 pitman arm puller could be used similarly by filing its jaws to fit the hub's center notch. Looks fairly hefty.

http://www.harborfreight.com/tie-rod-and-pitman-arm-puller-1752.html

Jack E/NJ

That was me. And it worked on two axles, but on another i got was real stuck an i broke two even though i reinforced the second one. Its worth a shot, but i eventually bought the kw wilson one, its a very nice tool.
 
That was me. And it worked on two axles, but on another i got was real stuck an i broke two even though i reinforced the second one. Its worth a shot, but i eventually bought the kw wilson one, its a very nice tool.

Thanks for the update on how the $!0 tool works! Did the legs spread or did the "tips" bend or break? I guess that if a hub is on correctly, you need the better tool, but if you don't know how tight it is, for $10 it's worth a shot!
 
Yah they bent out. I tried to use tie wire to hold it but it didnt work. Didnt have a hose clamp the right size. I read in this thread that the earlier axles are easyier and the 35 and later are harder. The pitman worked on the a axles but not the later. I did have to put a big pipe on the breaker bar for the kr wilson tool so they were tight.
 
seems to me if it looked like the puller legs were going to spread a C clamp would hold them together.
 
has any one actually seen a hub hurt or broke by using the 3 arm puller on the wheel studs, or are you just repeating an old wifes tale or some one just told you that happened? i have been using the 3 arm puller for 50 years and have never damaged anything, im just curious

No wifes tale!! I used one on an original 34 that never had the drum off and pulled one of the wheel bolts through the hub and drum. It pulled the head off the bolt. This was not an el-cheep-o puller either it was (and is) a Proto 4001-W puller and is a big tool. I now have a KR Wilson puller and would never use anything else. This first hand experience.
 
Jerry it sounds like all the lugnuts were not tightened evenly or the puller was off center. I've had them lean towards one side. Backed them off & retightened . I have used the H F one I made & it works fine.
 
Jerry it sounds like all the lugnuts were not tightened evenly or the puller was off center. I've had them lean towards one side. Backed them off & retightened . I have used the H F one I made & it works fine.
No, the puller was installed correctly. I owned a brake and muffler shop for 10 years and I know how to use tools. If a rear drum was installed with all new parts and has been tightened correctly and has been on a long time it will be a bear to get off and no mickey mouse tool will do the job.
 
I've used this type. It works well. Mac's has this for $75.00. Sometimes they show up on the bay for a buy now of $65.00
 

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