Drum Brake Job
 

Hi,

Any advice on removing/reinstalling springs when doing a drum brake
job?

The last time I messed with this, I ended up with the hydraulic
pistons coming out, and having to bleed and put a heap of fluid in.
I've got a cheap pair of brake spring pliers, but they don't seem to
fit very well. Does anyone know of a video online that shows how it
*should* go?

Thanks for your thoughts,

-- Andrew Bell
andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com

Re: Drum Brake Job
 

andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Any advice on removing/reinstalling springs when doing a drum brake
> job?
>
> The last time I messed with this, I ended up with the hydraulic
> pistons coming out, and having to bleed and put a heap of fluid in.
> I've got a cheap pair of brake spring pliers, but they don't seem to
> fit very well. Does anyone know of a video online that shows how it
> *should* go?
>
> Thanks for your thoughts,
>
> -- Andrew Bell
> andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com
>
what vehicle make, model, age, etc?

if you're talking honda, you don't need spring pliers. in fact, trying
to use them can damage the springs.

what you need is proper training in a "safe" environment. suggest you
sign up for evening class at your local community college - they'll
teach you all this stuff and you won't make potentially dangerous
mistakes with your own car.

Re: Drum Brake Job
 

andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Any advice on removing/reinstalling springs when doing a drum brake
> job?
>
> The last time I messed with this, I ended up with the hydraulic
> pistons coming out, and having to bleed and put a heap of fluid in.
> I've got a cheap pair of brake spring pliers, but they don't seem to
> fit very well. Does anyone know of a video online that shows how it
> *should* go?
>
> Thanks for your thoughts,
>
> -- Andrew Bell
> andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com
>
what vehicle make, model, age, etc?

if you're talking honda, you don't need spring pliers. in fact, trying
to use them can damage the springs.

what you need is proper training in a "safe" environment. suggest you
sign up for evening class at your local community college - they'll
teach you all this stuff and you won't make potentially dangerous
mistakes with your own car.

Re: Drum Brake Job
 

On Jun 7, 10:21 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
>
> what vehicle make, model, age, etc?

95 Accord Wagon

> if you're talking honda, you don't need spring pliers. in fact, trying
> to use them can damage the springs.

Can someone describe how to safely get the pads on and off safely/
easily?

> what you need is proper training in a "safe" environment. suggest you
> sign up for evening class at your local community college - they'll
> teach you all this stuff and you won't make potentially dangerous
> mistakes with your own car.

You're probably right. But I'd sure like to have a good book or
something that shows what to do. I've got the Honda service manual,
but isn't particularly descriptive.

Re: Drum Brake Job
 

On Jun 7, 10:21 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
>
> what vehicle make, model, age, etc?

95 Accord Wagon

> if you're talking honda, you don't need spring pliers. in fact, trying
> to use them can damage the springs.

Can someone describe how to safely get the pads on and off safely/
easily?

> what you need is proper training in a "safe" environment. suggest you
> sign up for evening class at your local community college - they'll
> teach you all this stuff and you won't make potentially dangerous
> mistakes with your own car.

You're probably right. But I'd sure like to have a good book or
something that shows what to do. I've got the Honda service manual,
but isn't particularly descriptive.

Re: Drum Brake Job
 

"andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com" <andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com> wrote in
news:1181307584.875068.288170@q66g2000hsg.googlegr oups.com:

> On Jun 7, 10:21 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
>>
>> what vehicle make, model, age, etc?
>
> 95 Accord Wagon
>
>> if you're talking honda, you don't need spring pliers. in fact, trying
>> to use them can damage the springs.
>
> Can someone describe how to safely get the pads on and off safely/
> easily?
>
>> what you need is proper training in a "safe" environment. suggest you
>> sign up for evening class at your local community college - they'll
>> teach you all this stuff and you won't make potentially dangerous
>> mistakes with your own car.
>
> You're probably right. But I'd sure like to have a good book or
> something that shows what to do. I've got the Honda service manual,
> but isn't particularly descriptive.
>
>


If you've still got one drum still assembled, why not take a picture of
that and email it to me?

My drum brake experience is entirely with Toyotas and older Fords, but
drums are basically the same no matter their details. If I saw the type of
springs you're describing I might be able to make some suggestions.

I'll post the pics on the FAQ site in case anybody else wants to offer
pointers.

--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: Drum Brake Job
 

"andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com" <andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com> wrote in
news:1181307584.875068.288170@q66g2000hsg.googlegr oups.com:

> On Jun 7, 10:21 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
>>
>> what vehicle make, model, age, etc?
>
> 95 Accord Wagon
>
>> if you're talking honda, you don't need spring pliers. in fact, trying
>> to use them can damage the springs.
>
> Can someone describe how to safely get the pads on and off safely/
> easily?
>
>> what you need is proper training in a "safe" environment. suggest you
>> sign up for evening class at your local community college - they'll
>> teach you all this stuff and you won't make potentially dangerous
>> mistakes with your own car.
>
> You're probably right. But I'd sure like to have a good book or
> something that shows what to do. I've got the Honda service manual,
> but isn't particularly descriptive.
>
>


If you've still got one drum still assembled, why not take a picture of
that and email it to me?

My drum brake experience is entirely with Toyotas and older Fords, but
drums are basically the same no matter their details. If I saw the type of
springs you're describing I might be able to make some suggestions.

I'll post the pics on the FAQ site in case anybody else wants to offer
pointers.

--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: Drum Brake Job
 

Tegger wrote:
> "andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com" <andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com> wrote in
> news:1181307584.875068.288170@q66g2000hsg.googlegr oups.com:
>
>> On Jun 7, 10:21 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
>>> what vehicle make, model, age, etc?
>> 95 Accord Wagon
>>
>>> if you're talking honda, you don't need spring pliers. in fact, trying
>>> to use them can damage the springs.
>> Can someone describe how to safely get the pads on and off safely/
>> easily?
>>
>>> what you need is proper training in a "safe" environment. suggest you
>>> sign up for evening class at your local community college - they'll
>>> teach you all this stuff and you won't make potentially dangerous
>>> mistakes with your own car.
>> You're probably right. But I'd sure like to have a good book or
>> something that shows what to do. I've got the Honda service manual,
>> but isn't particularly descriptive.
>>
------------------------------------------

If we're talking about rear drum brakes, how did the conversation switch
to 'pads' ?

The Chilton's manual doesn't assume you're a trained technician. (I have
the HELMS as well) I use a spring tool that looks like a screwdriver but
has a threaded 'trap' on the end, which clamps the spring and allows you
to stretch it.

Also, don't forget there's something like 13 spots in each rear brake
that Honda expects you to lubricate (with the correct lube).

'Curly'

Re: Drum Brake Job
 

Tegger wrote:
> "andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com" <andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com> wrote in
> news:1181307584.875068.288170@q66g2000hsg.googlegr oups.com:
>
>> On Jun 7, 10:21 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
>>> what vehicle make, model, age, etc?
>> 95 Accord Wagon
>>
>>> if you're talking honda, you don't need spring pliers. in fact, trying
>>> to use them can damage the springs.
>> Can someone describe how to safely get the pads on and off safely/
>> easily?
>>
>>> what you need is proper training in a "safe" environment. suggest you
>>> sign up for evening class at your local community college - they'll
>>> teach you all this stuff and you won't make potentially dangerous
>>> mistakes with your own car.
>> You're probably right. But I'd sure like to have a good book or
>> something that shows what to do. I've got the Honda service manual,
>> but isn't particularly descriptive.
>>
------------------------------------------

If we're talking about rear drum brakes, how did the conversation switch
to 'pads' ?

The Chilton's manual doesn't assume you're a trained technician. (I have
the HELMS as well) I use a spring tool that looks like a screwdriver but
has a threaded 'trap' on the end, which clamps the spring and allows you
to stretch it.

Also, don't forget there's something like 13 spots in each rear brake
that Honda expects you to lubricate (with the correct lube).

'Curly'

Re: Drum Brake Job
 

motsco_ wrote:
> Tegger wrote:
>> "andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com" <andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com> wrote in
>> news:1181307584.875068.288170@q66g2000hsg.googlegr oups.com:
>>
>>> On Jun 7, 10:21 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
>>>> what vehicle make, model, age, etc?
>>> 95 Accord Wagon
>>>
>>>> if you're talking honda, you don't need spring pliers. in fact, trying
>>>> to use them can damage the springs.
>>> Can someone describe how to safely get the pads on and off safely/
>>> easily?
>>>
>>>> what you need is proper training in a "safe" environment. suggest you
>>>> sign up for evening class at your local community college - they'll
>>>> teach you all this stuff and you won't make potentially dangerous
>>>> mistakes with your own car.
>>> You're probably right. But I'd sure like to have a good book or
>>> something that shows what to do. I've got the Honda service manual,
>>> but isn't particularly descriptive.
>>>
> ------------------------------------------
>
> If we're talking about rear drum brakes, how did the conversation switch
> to 'pads' ?

what i want to know is how, with the factory workshop manual in front of
them, it's not apparent what to do. that's why i suggest they get
taught what to do in evening classes. some time you just need to be
shown, not told.

>
> The Chilton's manual doesn't assume you're a trained technician. (I have
> the HELMS as well) I use a spring tool that looks like a screwdriver but
> has a threaded 'trap' on the end, which clamps the spring and allows you
> to stretch it.

you absolutely don't need that "tool" on honda drums. indeed, use of a
tool like that scratches up the springs which can initiate fatigue. or
worse, bend them and change their free length and hence braking
pressure. you don't want that.

>
> Also, don't forget there's something like 13 spots in each rear brake
> that Honda expects you to lubricate (with the correct lube).
>
> 'Curly'

Re: Drum Brake Job
 

motsco_ wrote:
> Tegger wrote:
>> "andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com" <andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com> wrote in
>> news:1181307584.875068.288170@q66g2000hsg.googlegr oups.com:
>>
>>> On Jun 7, 10:21 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
>>>> what vehicle make, model, age, etc?
>>> 95 Accord Wagon
>>>
>>>> if you're talking honda, you don't need spring pliers. in fact, trying
>>>> to use them can damage the springs.
>>> Can someone describe how to safely get the pads on and off safely/
>>> easily?
>>>
>>>> what you need is proper training in a "safe" environment. suggest you
>>>> sign up for evening class at your local community college - they'll
>>>> teach you all this stuff and you won't make potentially dangerous
>>>> mistakes with your own car.
>>> You're probably right. But I'd sure like to have a good book or
>>> something that shows what to do. I've got the Honda service manual,
>>> but isn't particularly descriptive.
>>>
> ------------------------------------------
>
> If we're talking about rear drum brakes, how did the conversation switch
> to 'pads' ?

what i want to know is how, with the factory workshop manual in front of
them, it's not apparent what to do. that's why i suggest they get
taught what to do in evening classes. some time you just need to be
shown, not told.

>
> The Chilton's manual doesn't assume you're a trained technician. (I have
> the HELMS as well) I use a spring tool that looks like a screwdriver but
> has a threaded 'trap' on the end, which clamps the spring and allows you
> to stretch it.

you absolutely don't need that "tool" on honda drums. indeed, use of a
tool like that scratches up the springs which can initiate fatigue. or
worse, bend them and change their free length and hence braking
pressure. you don't want that.

>
> Also, don't forget there's something like 13 spots in each rear brake
> that Honda expects you to lubricate (with the correct lube).
>
> 'Curly'

Re: Drum Brake Job
 

andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com wrote:
> On Jun 7, 10:21 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
>> what vehicle make, model, age, etc?
>
> 95 Accord Wagon
>
>> if you're talking honda, you don't need spring pliers. in fact, trying
>> to use them can damage the springs.
>
> Can someone describe how to safely get the pads on and off safely/
> easily?

release the side springs - the u-shaped ones. then slide the shoes down
until you can release the small lower spring, by hand. when that's
free, open the shoes carefully a little and puzzle the shoes plus
bracing bar plus spring past the cylinder and hub. open the shoes fully
so the retainer falls apart. once the adjuster is fully screwed back
in, reassembly should be easy enough without tools. slacken the hand
brake cable too.

>
>> what you need is proper training in a "safe" environment. suggest you
>> sign up for evening class at your local community college - they'll
>> teach you all this stuff and you won't make potentially dangerous
>> mistakes with your own car.
>
> You're probably right. But I'd sure like to have a good book or
> something that shows what to do. I've got the Honda service manual,
> but isn't particularly descriptive.
>
that book is as good as it gets. get someone [experienced, not shade
tree with bad habits] to show you what to do if the book's not making sense.

Re: Drum Brake Job
 

andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com wrote:
> On Jun 7, 10:21 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
>> what vehicle make, model, age, etc?
>
> 95 Accord Wagon
>
>> if you're talking honda, you don't need spring pliers. in fact, trying
>> to use them can damage the springs.
>
> Can someone describe how to safely get the pads on and off safely/
> easily?

release the side springs - the u-shaped ones. then slide the shoes down
until you can release the small lower spring, by hand. when that's
free, open the shoes carefully a little and puzzle the shoes plus
bracing bar plus spring past the cylinder and hub. open the shoes fully
so the retainer falls apart. once the adjuster is fully screwed back
in, reassembly should be easy enough without tools. slacken the hand
brake cable too.

>
>> what you need is proper training in a "safe" environment. suggest you
>> sign up for evening class at your local community college - they'll
>> teach you all this stuff and you won't make potentially dangerous
>> mistakes with your own car.
>
> You're probably right. But I'd sure like to have a good book or
> something that shows what to do. I've got the Honda service manual,
> but isn't particularly descriptive.
>
that book is as good as it gets. get someone [experienced, not shade
tree with bad habits] to show you what to do if the book's not making sense.

Re: Drum Brake Job
 

jim beam <spamvortex@bad.example.net> wrote in
news:5YednZWpKNG8j_fbnZ2dnUVZ_uvinZ2d@speakeasy.ne t:

> motsco_ wrote:
>> Tegger wrote:
>>> "andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com" <andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com> wrote in
>>> news:1181307584.875068.288170@q66g2000hsg.googlegr oups.com:
>>>
>>>> On Jun 7, 10:21 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
>>>>> what vehicle make, model, age, etc?
>>>> 95 Accord Wagon
>>>>
>>>>> if you're talking honda, you don't need spring pliers. in fact,
>>>>> trying to use them can damage the springs.
>>>> Can someone describe how to safely get the pads on and off safely/
>>>> easily?
>>>>
>>>>> what you need is proper training in a "safe" environment. suggest
>>>>> you sign up for evening class at your local community college -
>>>>> they'll teach you all this stuff and you won't make potentially
>>>>> dangerous mistakes with your own car.
>>>> You're probably right. But I'd sure like to have a good book or
>>>> something that shows what to do. I've got the Honda service
>>>> manual, but isn't particularly descriptive.
>>>>
>> ------------------------------------------
>>
>> If we're talking about rear drum brakes, how did the conversation
>> switch to 'pads' ?
>
> what i want to know is how, with the factory workshop manual in front
> of them, it's not apparent what to do. that's why i suggest they get
> taught what to do in evening classes. some time you just need to be
> shown, not told.



Ah, I missed that he had a factory shop manual. Honda shop manuals are
very descriptive indeed, with excellent diagrams.


--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: Drum Brake Job
 

jim beam <spamvortex@bad.example.net> wrote in
news:5YednZWpKNG8j_fbnZ2dnUVZ_uvinZ2d@speakeasy.ne t:

> motsco_ wrote:
>> Tegger wrote:
>>> "andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com" <andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com> wrote in
>>> news:1181307584.875068.288170@q66g2000hsg.googlegr oups.com:
>>>
>>>> On Jun 7, 10:21 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
>>>>> what vehicle make, model, age, etc?
>>>> 95 Accord Wagon
>>>>
>>>>> if you're talking honda, you don't need spring pliers. in fact,
>>>>> trying to use them can damage the springs.
>>>> Can someone describe how to safely get the pads on and off safely/
>>>> easily?
>>>>
>>>>> what you need is proper training in a "safe" environment. suggest
>>>>> you sign up for evening class at your local community college -
>>>>> they'll teach you all this stuff and you won't make potentially
>>>>> dangerous mistakes with your own car.
>>>> You're probably right. But I'd sure like to have a good book or
>>>> something that shows what to do. I've got the Honda service
>>>> manual, but isn't particularly descriptive.
>>>>
>> ------------------------------------------
>>
>> If we're talking about rear drum brakes, how did the conversation
>> switch to 'pads' ?
>
> what i want to know is how, with the factory workshop manual in front
> of them, it's not apparent what to do. that's why i suggest they get
> taught what to do in evening classes. some time you just need to be
> shown, not told.



Ah, I missed that he had a factory shop manual. Honda shop manuals are
very descriptive indeed, with excellent diagrams.


--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/