Drum Brake Job

Hi,

Any advice on removing/reinstalling springs when doing a drum brake
job?

The last time I messed with this, I ended up with the hydraulic
pistons coming out, and having to bleed and put a heap of fluid in.
I've got a cheap pair of brake spring pliers, but they don't seem to
fit very well. Does anyone know of a video online that shows how it
*should* go?

Thanks for your thoughts,

-- Andrew Bell

 

what vehicle make, model, age, etc?

if you're talking honda, you don't need spring pliers. in fact, trying
to use them can damage the springs.

what you need is proper training in a "safe" environment. suggest you
sign up for evening class at your local community college - they'll
teach you all this stuff and you won't make potentially dangerous
mistakes with your own car.

 

95 Accord Wagon

Can someone describe how to safely get the pads on and off safely/
easily?

You're probably right. But I'd sure like to have a good book or
something that shows what to do. I've got the Honda service manual,
but isn't particularly descriptive.

 

If you've still got one drum still assembled, why not take a picture of
that and email it to me?

My drum brake experience is entirely with Toyotas and older Fords, but
drums are basically the same no matter their details. If I saw the type of
springs you're describing I might be able to make some suggestions.

I'll post the pics on the FAQ site in case anybody else wants to offer
pointers.

 

------------------------------------------

If we're talking about rear drum brakes, how did the conversation switch
to 'pads' ?

The Chilton's manual doesn't assume you're a trained technician. (I have
the HELMS as well) I use a spring tool that looks like a screwdriver but
has a threaded 'trap' on the end, which clamps the spring and allows you
to stretch it.

Also, don't forget there's something like 13 spots in each rear brake
that Honda expects you to lubricate (with the correct lube).

'Curly'

 

what i want to know is how, with the factory workshop manual in front of
them, it's not apparent what to do. that's why i suggest they get
taught what to do in evening classes. some time you just need to be
shown, not told.

you absolutely don't need that "tool" on honda drums. indeed, use of a
tool like that scratches up the springs which can initiate fatigue. or
worse, bend them and change their free length and hence braking
pressure. you don't want that.

 

release the side springs - the u-shaped ones. then slide the shoes down
until you can release the small lower spring, by hand. when that's
free, open the shoes carefully a little and puzzle the shoes plus
bracing bar plus spring past the cylinder and hub. open the shoes fully
so the retainer falls apart. once the adjuster is fully screwed back
in, reassembly should be easy enough without tools. slacken the hand
brake cable too.

that book is as good as it gets. get someone [experienced, not shade
tree with bad habits] to show you what to do if the book's not making sense.

 

Ah, I missed that he had a factory shop manual. Honda shop manuals are
very descriptive indeed, with excellent diagrams.