[Gary_N]

OK, I've wrestled with this long enough. Time to call on the experts. Yoda (my '50) has been going through a complete brake overhaul. New lines, shoes, cylinders, M/C, etc. One thing I can never figure out is how to easily get the brakes springs back on. I have two types of brake tools. One from Sears that looks like pliers with a hook and pick at one end. And I just picked up a NAPA supposed new type spring loaded so easy a baby could use it tool. Neither works. Well, I would say the operator cannot figure out how to get the Sears one to work anyway. The NAPA tool is useless.

So, can anyone tell me the secret of getting these springs apart from just trying to "bull" them on to the spring pin?

Thanks.

Gary

[Pete O]

The one that looks like big pliers with a hook on one end- hook one end of the spring to its anchoring point opposite the shoe you will be hooking the other end into. Hook the free end of the spring to the hooked end of the spring tool. Spread open the tool, and put the other "plier" end on the facing of the brake lining by the hole you're hooking the spring into. Squeeze the tool closed, and it will strech the spring, using the "plier" end on the face of the brake lining as the leverage point. With a little practice, you should be able to pop the hooked end of the spring right into the hole.

[Bhigdog]

Actually the easiest type to use looks like a 5/16 steel rod with a cup shaped dimple in the side right at the end. Place the small spring hook in the shoe. Slide the rod through the other spring end. Place the dimple on the pin and simply lift the rod towards the pin and the spring slides along the rod and slips off the end onto the pin. Takes no more than 10 seconds and works every time................Bob

[Pete O]

Bhigdog, you are correct sir, if you're hooking the spring onto a post rather than into a hole in the shoe. Many of those plier type spring tools have the tool you describe included in the handle end of the plier. It's a straight bar with a little notched out dimple on one side. The other handle of the plier often has a spring removal tool. It's cupped out and has a dowel on the side. Place the cup over the pin and spin it so the dowel hooks the spring end, and voila!

[Bhigdog]

Yup, just different ways to skin the same cat. I have both type tools but find hooking the spring by hand into the shoe first far easier than visa versa. Now if you want to talk about an abortion of a brake spring system lets talk Mopar center plane brakes............Bob

[trp3141592]

This is the tool I use to snap springs back on to posts, such as found on Bendix brakes. It's useless with Wagner pivot-at-the-bottom brakes such as found on an old Willys Jeep. It's better at installing than at removing.

You're going to snap the spring on to the post, so first put the shoe-end of the spring into the shoe. Lightly oil the shaft to help the spring slide off the end. Slip the loop on the post end of the spring onto the shaft, hook the end of the tool on the post, stretch the spring, slide the spring hook down the shaft, off the end, and right on to the post. It goes "WHOINGOINOING!!" and it's on.

Your plier/hook/pin tool may already have a dimple on the end of one of the straight handles. It's will do the same job, but in my experience is less easy to keep on the post. That's why I bought the one below.

Snap-On sells this tool for $30.00, but Brand-X's are available for a little less. Look on the stand of card-mounted tools at your auto parts store. While you're there, buy the brake adjusting tool also. The angled ends of the blades of the adjusting tool make turning those star wheels a lot easier!



Bendix style brake spring tool.

--Tom

[Bhigdog]

Originally Posted by trp3141592

This is the tool I use to snap springs back on to posts, such as found on Bendix brakes. It's useless with Wagner pivot-at-the-bottom brakes such as found on an old Willys Jeep. It's better at installing than at removing.

You're going to snap the spring on to the post, so first put the shoe-end of the spring into the shoe. Lightly oil the shaft to help the spring slide off the end. Slip the loop on the post end of the spring onto the shaft, hook the end of the tool on the post, stretch the spring, slide the spring hook down the shaft, off the end, and right on to the post. It goes "WHOINGOINOING!!" and it's on.

Your plier/hook/pin tool may already have a dimple on the end of one of the straight handles. It's will do the same job, but in my experience is less easy to keep on the post. That's why I bought the one below.

Snap-On sells this tool for $30.00, but Brand-X's are available for a little less. Look on the stand of card-mounted tools at your auto parts store. While you're there, buy the brake adjusting tool also. The angled ends of the blades of the adjusting tool make turning those star wheels a lot easier!



Bendix style brake spring tool.

--Tom

Mine go WINGINGINGING. Must be a different make tool. ;-)

[old-tank]

Gary
The service manual says to use a large pair of pliers. I have used vise grips in the past, but with the propper tool I don't bleed as much.
Willie

[Bhigdog]

vice grips and adjustable wrenches. They both are spawn of the Devil...................Bob

[Gary_N]

Well, I have the pliers you guys are talking about. Have the dimple side and the hook side. I still can't get it to work. The springs are shall we say very stiff. My ex's son was over and used my pliers tool in a much different way. He somehow used the hook end to slip on anchor pin and 'twisted' it on. I guess I just must a weakling. Ah well, two more to go so I'll try your methods.

I did figure out that safety glasses are a must since I've banged my protected eyes more than once. And Bob, you are correct. Those MOPAR brakes are very different.

Willie: How the heck do you use vice grips or big pliers?? That sounds like the "bull" method! I'd have to work out for about 6 months first!

Thanks for the help!!!

Gary