7 replies to this topic

[crackfoo]

Hi, 

 

Rupert is a '79 Austin with standard drums all around. So I have a new set of shoes to put on the front and figured it would be a pretty straight forward job. I've changed disc brake pads before and thought, how much harder could it be?

 

I don't have any specific tools for brakes/springs etc... so, I took off the drum and saw how it was all assembled and while it looked understandable, I was intimidated as to how the heck I was going to get the springs back on.

 

Does anyone have any tips/tricks for getting all the spring back on with your run of the mill tools? I recall my dad years ago changing the shoes on our chevette lickity split with just a screw driver. but I couldn't imagine how I was going to get the springs hooked backup when it was between the backplate and shoe wedged behind the cylinder..

 

cheers!

Edited by crackfoo, 16 December 2014 - 09:05 PM.

[cal844]

A set of long nosed vise grips are perfect for this

[crackfoo]

yeah? That's a tool I don't have ATM.  Would you just clamp it on the hook ends closest to the springs and pull them up into place from behind?

[Spitz]

Do you have the shoes off yet?
If not, simply use a screwdriver to pry them out of one of the slaves ( remove the small hook first attached at the slave if there is one )
Once out, you can remove the springs as the tension will be off…..same for the opposite slave..

It's actually very easy.  Take note of the orientation of the shoes.

There is a "longer" exposed metal part on each shoe(leading edge)….this should face the forward rotation direction of the wheel ( hope that makes sense).

Loosely fit the springs first, then place the shoes into the slaves….doesn't take too much tension.
Hook the shoe to the slave again ( if there is one )

 

oh yea….before removing ( or before fitting the new ones ) make sure the adjusters are rotated to the lowest setting.  Makes getting the drum on a lot easier 

Edited by Spitz, 17 December 2014 - 04:21 AM.

[Spider]

Do you have the shoes off yet?
If not, simply use a screwdriver to pry them out of one of the slaves ( remove the small hook first attached at the slave if there is one )
Once out, you can remove the springs as the tension will be off…..same for the opposite slave..

It's actually very easy.  Take note of the orientation of the shoes.

There is a "longer" exposed metal part on each shoe(leading edge)….this should face the forward rotation direction of the wheel ( hope that makes sense).

Loosely fit the springs first, then place the shoes into the slaves….doesn't take too much tension.
Hook the shoe to the slave again ( if there is one )

 

oh yea….before removing ( or before fitting the new ones ) make sure the adjusters are rotated to the lowest setting.  Makes getting the drum on a lot easier 

 

 

But, the most important step - make sure you hold your tongue the right way.

[crackfoo]

Do you have the shoes off yet?
If not, simply use a screwdriver to pry them out of one of the slaves ( remove the small hook first attached at the slave if there is one )
Once out, you can remove the springs as the tension will be off…..same for the opposite slave..

It's actually very easy.  Take note of the orientation of the shoes.

There is a "longer" exposed metal part on each shoe(leading edge)….this should face the forward rotation direction of the wheel ( hope that makes sense).

Loosely fit the springs first, then place the shoes into the slaves….doesn't take too much tension.
Hook the shoe to the slave again ( if there is one )

 

oh yea….before removing ( or before fitting the new ones ) make sure the adjusters are rotated to the lowest setting.  Makes getting the drum on a lot easier 

 

Yeha I put the drums back on and left them. Didn't want to get into a state to not be able to drive.

 

I did pry them up a bit a screw driver but that was then a thought about how I was going to get them back on with the springs. But essentially what you're saying is I can simply hook the springs back up to the shoes as they should be, put one on, then pull the other one taught, then use a screwdriver to stretch it back into place on the slave? Then put the little hook back into the slave...

[Spitz]

Pretty much...yes.
The springs will drop off several times in the process....just a matter of keeping a little pressure on them

[crackfoo]

Ok, I think I'll give it a go again.

 

Thanks!