Stuck hub on Ace

[pjbowman]

After sitting for a few months while I was out of the country, my Ace has developed a locked right rear wheel. Looks like the brake cylinder developed a leak (some fluid on the inside of the tire), and may have absorbed moisture, locking the pads against the drum, preventing me from getting it off after removing the 6 retaining nuts and washers. I don't want to damage the fins by beating on it, any ideas how to get the drum off?

[Klassik Metall]

Try  fully slackening the brake adjuster on the back-plate (wound out as far as possible), then with the brake drum nuts and washers removed or loosened hold a piece of wood on the outer face (wheel face) of the drum close to the outer edge but not on the fins. Proceed to hit the wood with a mallet or hammer as if trying to force the drum on further, work your way around the drum. The slight rocking motion of the  drum caused by the hammering is usually enough to jar the shoes free of the drum.
   
   Regards Luke.

[B.P.Bird]

Peter, as Luke says the secret is getting the drum to rock. however slightly at first. As well as the adjuster being wound right out check that there is no tension on the handbrake cable or residual pressure in the hydraulic lines. If you look at the sliding cam which is connected to the handbrake cable, where it protrudes from the backplate, you can see if it will gently tap further in to the drum (moving outboard.) The grease in the roller and cam mechanism which pushes the shoes on to the drum often goes dry and sticky, sometimes enough to hold the shoes applied. The travel on the slide is only about 1/4" between full on and full off and if it goes too far outboard it will contact and damage, the inner face of the drum. Try adding some warmth all over the drum with a heat gun or hair drier. Once you get a movement you will work the drum off - be patient and if you are tempted to try a mallet or crow bar take a look at the price of a replacement reproduction Alfin drum first:
   'Typecast Engineering Limited - Specialist manufacturers of genuine Alfin® brakedrums.'
   Finally never ever leave your handbrake applied for a long period.

[pjbowman]

Thanks guys, will try all the combinations suggested! Have tried a few of them already (like heat), but I need a focused effort - been sort of trying things in between other projects. Will report back on any progress!
   
   Thanks for the tips.