Is there a special tool

[S70JPS]

Is there a special tool for putting the springs and pins back on handbrake shoes? I've just spent two and a half hours putting them back on one side of a SAAB 95. Would have been easier but the hub was in the way and I couln't get it off. All this only to find the new discs were the wrong size!

[Jimmyarm]

Mole grips

[thinfourth2]

Yes

Its sort of a screwdrivery cuppy thing

[S70JPS]

The mole grips were too big. I ended up usinf two sets of pliers it took ages.

[S70JPS]

Where can i get one?

[maniac0796]

Yes, but good luck using it on those those brakes.

They're an absolute pig to do the handbrake shoes on those. Best thing is to use a 15mm socket (or something near that, can't remember) on an extension bar and fit it through the holes in the hub flange. Even then it's a pain though.

[S70JPS]

Tried the socket but the holes are too small. I also tried the handle from my allen key which whent through the hole but just kept slipping. There must be an easier way?

[entwisi]

Yes, its called "a mechanic" :-)

[S70JPS]

One of them wanted £600 to do discs and pads all round.

[lemonslap]

£8.00 from Euro Car Parts, however I have always used standard pliers.

[SWH]

Long nosed mole grips, the brake shoe changer's friend

Interestingly (or not..!) shoe/spring/adjuster design on a the 9-5 is pretty much identical to that of my old Senator, c.1985 - I guess if it works, why change it, a GM favorite I assume.

[maniac0796]

S70JPS said:

Tried the socket but the holes are too small. I also tried the handle from my allen key which whent through the hole but just kept slipping. There must be an easier way?

^ One of them, but the one I have does both small and large ones.

However, as I said, you can't use them on those brakes easily, so you have to get inventive.