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 snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com

Reply to
andrew.bell.ia
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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.

Reply to
jim beam

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.

Reply to
andrew.bell.ia

" snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@q66g2000hsg.googlegroups.com:

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.

Reply to
Tegger

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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'

Reply to
motsco_

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.

Reply to
jim beam

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.

Reply to
jim beam

jim beam wrote in news:5YednZWpKNG8j_fbnZ2dnUVZ snipped-for-privacy@speakeasy.net:

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

Reply to
Tegger

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