Erndog Posted February 24, 2023 Share Posted February 24, 2023 (edited) I am restoring the front end of my 1930 Buick Model 61. In a moment of genius I removed the circumferential spring that sits on the outside of the drum, in order to clean and paint it, as well as the drum. It rolled off without much difficulty. HOWEVER, going back on is a whole other subject. I determined right away that I was not going to be able to do it alone. I employed the assistance of my wife and three screwdrivers. All that accomplished was hurting her (gloved) hands and scaring the hell out of us. Has anyone out there tackled these springs successfully? If so, can you give me some hints? Edited February 24, 2023 by Erndog (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFranklin Posted February 25, 2023 Share Posted February 25, 2023 Get someone to give you 2 extra hands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buick35 Posted February 25, 2023 Share Posted February 25, 2023 (edited) It looks like the spring can be separated at the gap by twisting it apart and then reconnecting it? I don't know for sure,my 35 doesn't use them Edited February 25, 2023 by Buick35 Spelling (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erndog Posted February 25, 2023 Author Share Posted February 25, 2023 From what I can find, it appears that only the 1930 cars used these springs. I wouldn't want to do that because it would probably open a whole new bag of worms. Doubtful that I could reconnect after getting it back in position, as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILIKECARS53 Posted February 25, 2023 Share Posted February 25, 2023 My 1942 Buick has the springs. I clamped the drum to the corner of the work bench with the springs under the clamps. This will keep the drum from not moving which is key. Then with 4 hands and 3 heavy duty screwdrivers managed to get in in place. Heavy gloves are a must. Good luck. Jim 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erndog Posted February 25, 2023 Author Share Posted February 25, 2023 (edited) Solved! I used a couple wood clamps to hold half of the spring in place while I "walked" the rest into position with a large screwdriver. Then I was able to roll it the rest of the way until it was captured by the small tangs on the drum. Thanks for the suggestions you gave. Edited February 25, 2023 by Erndog (see edit history) 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pmhowe Posted February 28, 2023 Share Posted February 28, 2023 What is the purpose of the spring? To dampen brake squeal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted February 28, 2023 Share Posted February 28, 2023 Yes, noise damping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erndog Posted February 28, 2023 Author Share Posted February 28, 2023 59 minutes ago, pmhowe said: What is the purpose of the spring? To dampen brake squeal? From page 41 of the 1930 Buick "Specifications and Adjustments" book, "A coil spring is wound about each drum to aid in heat dissipation and in the reduction of brake noises." 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul White Posted March 23, 2023 Share Posted March 23, 2023 On 2/28/2023 at 2:13 PM, Erndog said: From page 41 of the 1930 Buick "Specifications and Adjustments" book, "A coil spring is wound about each drum to aid in heat dissipation and in the reduction of brake noises." You learn something new every day if you take the time! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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