My rear bearings are totally shot, I cant get the brake drum or sprocket off the axel, Please help I have tried heat, Inox spray and a big sledge hammer and still not looking like moving apart? Any ideas or do I cut the rear bearing carrier out and use a friends hydraulic press to remove?? Please help with any Ideas.

If I do get the bearings repaired and the bike working again. Has anybody successfully modified the rear brakes to work from a leaver on the handle bars like the front brakes instead of the foot pedal. I am thinking of trying this mod but I am worried the leaver wont give anough pressure to work the rear brakes well enough. your thoughts.