how to get springs back on drum brakes

How to Get Springs Back on Drum Brakes

Drum brakes are an essential component of many vehicles, providing reliable stopping power. However, one common issue that many car owners face is getting springs back on drum brakes after performing maintenance or repairs. Worn or improperly positioned springs can lead to decreased braking efficiency and safety concerns. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get those springs back on your drum brakes.

Understanding Drum Brake Components

Before you start reassembling your drum brakes, it’s crucial to understand the components involved. Drum brakes consist of a brake drum, brake shoes, a wheel cylinder, and various springs. The springs play a vital role in retracting the brake shoes when the brake is not engaged. Familiarize yourself with the different types of springs hold-down springs, return springs, and parking brake springs.

Preparation

1. Gather Tools and Materials You'll need a few basic tools a spring removal tool, a pair of pliers, a socket set, and possibly a C-clamp. It’s also important to have new springs or a spring kit if the old ones are worn.

2. Safety First Make sure the vehicle is on a flat surface and securely raised on jack stands. Engage the parking brake and wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from potential debris.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reinstalling Springs

1. Remove the Brake Drum Begin by removing the brake drum if it’s still attached. This may require loosening wheel nuts and pulling off the drum. Inspect the inner surface for scoring or wear and replace it if necessary.

2. Install the Brake Shoes If you’ve removed the brake shoes for replacement, start by positioning them correctly against the backing plate. Ensure that the brake shoes sit correctly on the wheel cylinder.

3. Attach the Return Springs Using your spring removal tool or pliers, attach the return springs first. The return springs are responsible for pulling the brake shoes back into position when the brakes are released. Carefully hook one end of the spring over the shoe and stretch it to the backing plate, securing the other end tightly.

4. Secure Hold-Down Springs Next, install the hold-down springs. These springs keep the brake shoes fixed in place. They typically have a pin that secures them to the backing plate. Ensure the springs are tensioned correctly.

5. Install Parking Brake Springs (if applicable) If your drum brakes have a parking brake mechanism, make sure to hook up the parking brake spring correctly. This often requires a bit of finesse, as these springs can be more challenging to secure.

6. Recheck all Connections Once all springs are in place, double-check that everything is secured. Make sure the brake shoes can move freely without obstruction and that the springs are not overly stretched.

Final Steps

After completing the installation, spin the brake drum by hand to ensure it rotates smoothly without any dragging. If there are issues, double-check that the springs are appropriately tensioned and that no components are misaligned.

Finally, reassemble the wheel and lower the vehicle. It’s always prudent to test the brakes in a safe environment before taking the vehicle back on the road, ensuring everything is functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Getting springs back on drum brakes may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and approach, it’s entirely manageable. Following this guide can help you ensure your drum brake system works effectively, keeping you and your vehicle safe on the road. Regular maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your brake system and ensuring it operates smoothly.