I am working on the front brakes of a 1941 1/2 ton truck. There are two coiled springs and L shaped fasteners that hold the brake pad assembly to the back plate (located about center of each brake pad). I am having a hard time getting the L shaped fastener to catch and lock on the backing plate.
Are these necessary as I assemble and bolt this assembly to the back side of the front spindles?
If needed, how do I twist and lock these in? They keep popping out.
Last does anyone have a close up picture of how these springs should go?
If the ends of those keepers are bent on the wrong angle, they will pop off. You can buy new ones if they are a problem. they shouldn't present much of a challenge to you. I wouldn't try putting the brake assemblies on until the backing plates are bolted up to the spindles.
Tom, The spring and pin are very important! They hold your shoes in the correct position so they do not "flop" around. Do not attempt to leave these off. Here is a photo of the front and rear assemblies installed on the truck. Harold
I've always used a pair of vise grip pliers to install these. Just clamp the end of the pin, stick it in the hole and turn it 90° while you press on it. A bit of light can help to see the slot in your backing plate.
I learned that the new keepers that came with a brake parts kit were actually about 3/16 short, even with the spring compressed they were still not long enough to fully engage in the slots. Still debating whether I should cut down the cone shaped spring or take a stab at finding longer ones.
I made a tool to hold the keeper that allows it to be turned while compressing the spring. I used about a 4” long by 3/4” diameter dowel rod, a section of broom handle should work too. On one end a groove was cut wide and deep enough to capture the keeper. That end was taped as reinforcement. The keeper is inserted into the tool and used similar to a screw driver to push and twist the keeper into a locked position. Maybe that will help?
