Tool for drum brake adjuster spring

[D60]

I've got most specialty drum service tools known to man, but the lower spring that pulls the shoes to the adjuster is always a bit of a mystery.

Thus far I can always get it by locking onto it with needle nose vise grips and just muscling the hook into the shoe backer. Typically hooked spring pliers are too thick and just get in the way.

Still, my approach of "just grab and pull" --aside from describing a potentially fun Saturday night -- seems crude and relies heavily on the strength of the mekanik (or cave man in my case)

Is there a tool or method of which I am not aware that relies more on leverage (or something) rather than brute force?

Remember, I'm not inquiring about the upper springs or hold-down springs. Just the spring that runs horizontal and lives above or near the adjuster in most setups.

The objective is get a spring with a hooked end into a hole in a flat plate

 

[Timmastertech]

http://www.pbtusa.com/pdfs/71150.pdf Best tool ever for straight brake springs.

 

[atikovi]

Wouldn't it be easier to remove and install with the shoes off the car?

 

[JohnnyG]

Just use a screwdriver.

 

[JohnnyG]

Now that I see your issue, I'd like to see how the top part of the adjuster is attached. If I recall correctly, I would always install the bottom hook end first, then attach the lever at the top.

 

[Trav]

Close the adjuster, install the hold down pins then that lower spring. This guy has a good write up when I started 4 wheel drum brake jobs were the most common, no drama.

How to Assemble Drum Brakes (A Step-by-Step Guide) - OnAllCylinders

Drum brakes were standard equipment for decades. Even high-powered muscle cars were equipped with drum brakes on at least one axle. Many were equipped with drums on the front too. …

www.onallcylinders.com

 

[eljefino]

Just use a screwdriver.

Use one hand to stab a screwdriver through the spring's coils, and the other with a needle nose pliers (vise grips) on the spring's hook to route it through the shoe. Presto, now you're twice as strong.

Wear your safety glasses even if you never do. This stuff takes off.

 

[D60]

http://www.pbtusa.com/pdfs/71150.pdf Best tool ever for straight brake springs.

Interesting. I shot them an email. Their stuff doesn't appear readily available in the States.

I know I can always count on you (and Trav) for some exotic but effective tool

 

[CleanSump]

I attach the back shoe (with the adjusting lever) using the retaining "nail", spring and retainer. Then the spring and adjuster in place on the front shoe and use the "nail" to attach the front shoe.
Then the top springs.

 

[D60]

http://www.pbtusa.com/pdfs/71150.pdf Best tool ever for straight brake springs.

Found it on ebay. $26 shipped

PBT Private Brand Tools, Part #71150, 3 Piece Brake Spring Tool Kit | eBay

Part #71150.

www.ebay.com

For some reason I could NOT get there searching the web or ebay but I called the distributor in PA (724 224 5823) and they directed me to the item # on ebay.

 

[atikovi]

Does that tool use leverage to remove or install the springs? I don't see what it would lever against.

 

[Oliveoil2]

That looks like an old VW rear brake. I used Vise Grips to pinch the spring and twist it out of the hole.

 

[paulo57509]

Those look like old Delco-Moraine brakes. I've only ever used a return spring and hold down spring tool to get shoes off.

Maybe I'm missing somthing; can't that bottom spring be removed this way?

• Remove the return springs.
• Remove the hold down springs.
• Remove the adjuster ratchet arm and rod.
• Disengage the shoes from the cylinder pins and pull the shoes from the backing plate (the rear shoe is still attached via the parking brake cable).
• Hold both shoes and allow the top ends "fold" towards each other - the adjuster screw can now be removed.
• Separate the shoes from the unloaded spring.

 

[atikovi]

Found it on ebay. $26 shipped

PBT Private Brand Tools, Part #71150, 3 Piece Brake Spring Tool Kit | eBay

Part #71150.

www.ebay.com

For some reason I could NOT get there searching the web or ebay but I called the distributor in PA (724 224 5823) and they directed me to the item # on ebay.

Did you order it, or am I the guinea pig here?

 

[Nukeman7]

This Lisle brake tool works like your Vise-Grips; however, it is much easier to pull on the handle to stretch and guide the spring hook into the hole in the shoe. Depending on the diameter of the spring wire, the basic non-heavy duty version of the tool may work better for tight clearance situations.

 

[D60]

http://www.pbtusa.com/pdfs/71150.pdf Best tool ever for straight brake springs.

I used this tonight on drums for a '17 Taco. Amazing! Thank you again for the reco.

 

[atikovi]

I used this tonight on drums for a '17 Taco. Amazing! Thank you again for the reco.

More details. Bought it but not sure how to use it. Is there a video somewhere?

 

[SHOZ]

On my Hyundai the adjuster is at the top. But I put the bottom spring together first. no tension easy peasy.