Brake Shoe Return Spring Tool

[ukkid35]

The return spring that connects the shoes at the handbrake cam end is strong enough to require a tool to try to refit it

I've tried mole grips, screwdrivers, hooks, and after an hour or so I usually succeed using some combination

This time I decided enough was enough and found that there was a tool available

Sealey VS035 Brake Shoe Spring Pliers

It didn't really work for me, the spike simply slides across the surface of the shoe material, and the hook doesn't get the spring close enough to the surface where the hole is

Before I buy the Laser 6282 pliers, is there anything better I should consider?

[paintman]

Never used a tool, I've always fitted the springs with the shoes off the car then put them in together with the shoes at an angle to the slots they fit into then pushed them flat into position using the shoes as levers to stretch the springs.

Also works if you fit one shoe then fit the springs, offer the ends of the other to its slots & press flat, again it's using the shoe as a lever.

Started using this method back in the 70s when drum brakes were the norm & never had any problems.

This uses just a set of grips to pull the long spring, the bottom is fitted first & you can see how the other shoe is then fitted, using it to stretch the bottom spring:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6g7ypIvAf8

Probably just variations on the various methods you've tried!

[rustednut]

Different types of hold down springs and return springs, so different methods and tools apply, but for what you are describing i think, I use a tool I made myself.

A 150mm plain (slotted) scredriver, with the tip bent to about 30 degrees with a v groove cut into it, I also have same thing but with a u groove. Can actually get a bodywork trim tool of the same idea (Sealey RT002 as an example).

The beauty of the self made tool is that you can set the angle of the tool, and the depth of the groove to suit yourself, or any different application. Obviously only needs a cheap screwdriver type, don't cut up your best ones.

For conventional hold down springs then I have an old Girling tool (many years old) but similar to Sealey vs036 .

Edited by rustednut on Tuesday 11th May 11:09

[ukkid35]

paintman said:

Never used a tool, I've always fitted the springs with the shoes off the car then put them in together with the shoes at an angle to the slots they fit into then pushed them flat into position using the shoes as levers to stretch the springs.

I can certainly pull them out that way, no problem

But you can't put them back like that and get the handbrake cam hook in the cable end at the same time - that is never going to happen

The issue is most video, tools, and explainers, seem to be for drum brakes, rather than hand brake shoes

I guessing I am using over a hundred pounds force to stretch the return spring, it is a right sod, nothing like the green spring in the video

[ukkid35]

Not my photo, I was too frustrated to take photos at the time

As you can/can't see, the spring is awkwardly located and very strong

The handbrake parts are from a Peugeot 605

Edited by ukkid35 on Tuesday 11th May 11:42

[paintman]

Didn't now it was the disc/drum type handbrake.
Bit of googling only comes up with a 406 so don't know if it would be of any help/interest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_JFFerCzEM

[ukkid35]

paintman said:

Didn't now it was the disc/drum type handbrake.
Bit of googling only comes up with a 406 so don't know if it would be of any help/interest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_JFFerCzEM

Thanks that was interesting as the spring he's using is thinner and longer than the ones on my car

The thicker spring doesn't fit between the hub and the handbrake cam mechanism, and even when he tries there's an edit at 13:33

Nevertheless it suggests I should try and find a different fitting kit

[sliks]

You need a good selection of pliers, needle nose and mole grips, once you get the pliers on leave the end hook free to go into hole and angle spring hook with shear force, and with some more shear force pull into the brake shoe hole or rest on its side wall.
Easier said then done? Probably but most brake shoe springs require shear brute force. You have to get your body position in the right way. Once you get the mojo (total control of the spring) it should go in.