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^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers

Posted By: Dodgeballs

^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/11/13 02:57 AM

How are you supposed to put these stupid things back on? The pin, 2 round pieces and spring thing. I somehow got one on. Can't get the other. Is there a special $800 tool? Did some engineer purposely design this to torture backyard mechanics for generations to come?
Posted By: 440newport

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/11/13 03:04 AM

They're easy with a retaining spring tool. Should be able to get one about anywhere for $10.

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Posted By: 340SHORTY

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/11/13 03:09 AM

Ive always used a pair of pliers..
Posted By: Dodgeballs

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/11/13 03:17 AM

I finally got it on. I've always used needle nose pliers, but always have the hardest time. I'll check out that tool. But seriously, it could have been designed much better...
Posted By: kentj340

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/11/13 03:23 AM

Quote:

Ive always used a pair of pliers..



Get the tool pictured above, and you'll be having fits of self flagellation about why you hadn't already gotten it long ago.

Same with this one too. Why fight when you can finesse?

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Posted By: Dodgeballs

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/11/13 03:27 AM

dang it. I just realized that I have that brake multi-tool you have pictured. I never realized what the round thing on the end was. DOH!
Posted By: nomore65BelvJim

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/11/13 03:39 AM

"round thing on the end" is also for installing/removing the springs.

I just took apart a 39 Plymouth front brake assy. and they were using a very similar shoe retainer back then.

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Posted By: Dodgeballs

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/11/13 04:01 AM

I did use the tool to do springs. Didn't know it was also for the shoe retainers. At least I do now...
Posted By: Golden-Arm

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/11/13 04:26 AM

Quote:

dang it. I just realized that I have that brake multi-tool you have pictured. I never realized what the round thing on the end was. DOH!



dont you hate it, when that happens?
Posted By: RapidRobert

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/11/13 04:30 AM

Quote:

I never realized what the round thing on the end was. DOH!

Me either . I've always use the seperate tool for the round retainers
Posted By: kentj340

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/11/13 06:18 AM

I thought the round thingy was to unwrap the springs from the top post.

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Posted By: buildanother

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/11/13 06:23 AM

Yeah, I've always seen those giant multi-use plier looking things at different shops and hated even trying them. The little spring on and off tools(2 of them) get the job done almost always. Bought them 35 years ago at least.
Posted By: Dodgeballs

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/11/13 06:31 AM

Quote:

I thought the round thingy was to unwrap the springs from the top post.



Yeah - it didn't seem to work for the retainer. But I did use it for the springs.
Posted By: kentj340

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/11/13 07:32 AM

Quote:

those giant multi-use plier looking things



Here's another use for them: restoring your wiper arms. Of course the real intended purpose is to handily stretch your brake springs. Works awesome.

I wonder if surgeons use these? Multi purpose.

Attached picture 7883684-08-82Wiperarms.5manlyscrewdriver.jpg
Posted By: a12superbee

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/11/13 08:53 AM

^^^^^^^^^ Slick.
Posted By: gtx6970

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/11/13 06:22 PM

Quote:

I thought the round thingy was to unwrap the springs from the top post.



It is , it will not work on the hold down springs . Thats what the second tool is for
Posted By: denfireguy

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/11/13 09:59 PM

I have found it easier to use a 1/4 or 9/32 nut driver. Grasp the rear side of the pin with needle nose pliers to hold it perpendicular to the rear plate. Push the retainer onto the pin with the nut driver aligning the slot to clear the end of the pin. Compress the spring completely and turn the pin with the pliers a quarter turn and you are done.
Craig
Posted By: burdar

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/11/13 11:24 PM

The first time you use the proper tool, you'll kick yourself for not buying one sooner. It literally takes less than two seconds with the tool.
Posted By: a12superbee

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/12/13 12:20 AM

Quote:

The first time you use the proper tool, you'll kick yourself for not buying one sooner. It literally takes less than two seconds with the tool.



True, get both tools shown and a set of shoes will take you less than 30 minutes.
Less than 20 after you've done a few, no drama.
Posted By: Dodgeballs

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/12/13 07:49 PM

Quote:

The first time you use the proper tool, you'll kick yourself for not buying one sooner. It literally takes less than two seconds with the tool.



I've already kicked myself, my trash can, my dog...
Posted By: thehemikid

Re: ^%$&* Stupid Brake shoe retainers - 10/13/13 07:08 AM

...just don't kick the bucket!
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