I was reinstalling a '42 Ford banjo rear hub yesterday, and a piece of the outer lip broke off (from drum). I'm not sure why...maybe it had been dropped previously. Would it be safe to repair, or should I look for a replacement?
I think folk try to hammer the drum off the hub and so break a chunk from the outer lip. Rather than use the correct puller. Generally good enough to run as is but picture would be helpful.
Do you mean the edge of the drum where people force a big screwdriver between drum and backingplate in a effort to pry drum loose ? A small crowbar can damage the drum as well.
I had planned to re-attach it. While it would be out of balance, that section is paper thin compared to the rest.
I doubt out of balance is a major concern as it is so close to the rotating centre, and the possibly of imbalance is of negligible influence . Its been done for decades with chipped drums. Its not structural , so anyway you attach the separated piece would work if even you feel the need to repair it.
as it is so close to the rotating center, and the possibly of imbalance is of negligible influence . THIS.^^^^^ It would take a machine calibrated in micrograms to ascertain unbalance so close to center. Sheesh!