I was heading outside to let the dog out anyways so I figured I’d throw the axle up on the workbench and have a closer look. This lead to getting some tools out and seeing if a few days of soaking in penetrating oil would make it easy to get the brake assemblies off.

Well, it turns out, that was a success. I have removed all but two of the backing plate mounting bolts. Considering that I had only soaked the curb side, I didn’t even think I’d be able to get any of the nuts off on the other side. THe other two are soaking right now, and I’ll likely let them soak for a day or two before trying again. I did manage to scratch my arm when the wrench slipped off trying to get the last two nuts off so I figured that was a sign to stop.

I was also able to remove the clips that are screwed to the axle that hold the brake line. Unfortunately I broke the T connector where the rubber and two side brake lines meet. I’m sure it won’t be a big deal to figure out a new method to mount the new T connector, but I’ll figure that out when I get there.

Right now I’m trying to decide if it’s worth my time to strip down the axle with the wire wheel and give it a good coat of undercoating, but we’ll see how ambitious I am over the next few weeks. The U bolts looks like they could use replacing but I’m not sure I want to open that can of worms yet.