How NOT to do a rear brake job on a truck

[SparkandFire]

One look at this picture should enlighten as to why this job sucked...

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Drum was fused onto the hub so only way to do a brake job was to remove it. Reason for this was neglect - the brakes had been run until the rivets cut very deep groves in the drum, and the adjuster was seized up so I couldn't back the shoes off far enough to clear the rivets. Had this been a semi-float I would've been in there with the cutting torch.

Word to the wise - Replace/recondition EVERY component in that drum or you will be back for more. I was. I cleaned up the adjuster, anti-siezed it, replaced springs and hardware, the drum, shoes, wheel seal... BUT I cheaped out and didn't drop $12 on a wheel cylinder and as such, yes sir- back for more. Noticed the other day the cylinder was leaking brake fluid through the rear bore.

 

[icanfixall]

What a great pic of that horrible coil spring that holds the shoe to the backing plate. Thats where the special release tool is really a "go to bed with tool" that you need LONG BEFORE this job is started. Been there. done that with one good hand too. Never will do that again either...

 

[HammerDown]

Since 1988 and 'new', I've only replaced my rear brakes maybe 3 times.
Special tool...?

 

[icanfixall]

Yes.. That tool that is required to remove that coil spring seen in this pic. Snapon makes one as do many other tool companies. Towcat suggests a tool made by the matco truck guys. Says it wont break like the Snapon tool does.

 

[79jasper]

I wouldn't say it's required, but could be easier.
I just use my old school brake spring pliers.

Sent from my USCC-C6721 using Tapatalk

 

[Wyreth]

Gary, perhaps you could post a picture of this amazing tool?

I never liked any of the lame brake spring tools I've seen, so I've been making due with my giant needlenose pliers for over a decade now, and they usually work rather well for me. However, if there really is an easier way....

 

[1466IH]

does anyone have a part# for this tool i have never seen anything special for these hpld downs besides the old fasioned pliars

 

[yARIC008]

Since 1988 and 'new', I've only replaced my rear brakes maybe 3 times.
Special tool...?

Probably means your brakes are never adjusted correctly. They wear down just a little bit then don't do anything. Have to keep adjusting them to have good brakes.

I never use any special tools for drum brakes. I just use some needle nose. Have to turn into the Hulk to do it, but that just makes it more fun.

 

[Wyreth]

but that just makes it more fun.

Fun....

That's a word for it, perhaps not the word I would use.... But definitely a word.

 

[DaytonaBill]

Try making this...

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[icanfixall]

Here are a few of them for this coil spring.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161142340349?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
http://www.ebay.com/itm/380654580483?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
http://www.ebay.com/itm/400422280623?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[chris142]

I have had a matco one that looks like a 2 pronged fork for atleast 20 yrs.makes that spring easy.

 

[79jasper]

I have had a matco one that looks like a 2 pronged fork for atleast 20 yrs.makes that spring easy.

I saw those on amazon for $10.
Looks like it would definitely make things easier.

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Edit: Actually Matco sells them for $9.95.

 

[Agnem]

A trick I've used is to grind off the head on the "nail" that holds the spring in place on the backing plate. That will give the shoes a lot of play and you might be able to dislodge the drum. +1 on the old school brake pliers.

 

[Iowa 73]

A trick I've used is to grind off the head on the "nail" that holds the spring in place on the backing plate. That will give the shoes a lot of play and you might be able to dislodge the drum. +1 on the old school brake pliers.

Yep, just use a drill and drill the heads off the retainer pin. This relaxes the springs.

I use channel locks when working on the brakes on these trucks.