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| | | | Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 174 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 174 | So, I've finally come to the point where i need to somehow get the return springs back on the brakes of my 51 1 Ton... I just spent the last 3 hours trying to stretch them with screwdrivers, reverse bar clamp, hands... I'm stumped. What has worked for you that have done this? | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | I'm not sure about your 1 ton but in some instances I've used a long phillips screwdriver for the needed leverage to get a tight spring on....but maybe not on yours?? | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | I used the standard brake spring tool as shown in the manual. The problem is that the end that serves as a pivot anchor for the tool is sharp and it leaves a divot in the lining. I think the example in the manual is shown with it resting on a rivet. My shoes are bonded so it left a mark. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 174 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 174 | I'll give the screwdriver another shot tomorrow, maybe my angle was off. If that doesn't work I'm going to see if my school shop has a brake spring tool, I've never looked in the old wooden cabinets at the back of the shop haha | | | | | Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 224 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 224 | I used the basic brake spring tool as well, but that was after new lining was riveted on. My tool was pretty cheap (~$5), and it always seemed to want to bend under the tension. Be patient and careful.
I read somewhere that you can use a clean piece of tin or soda can to protect the lining material if it's bonded, however I've never tried it.
Dave Baird 1951 Chevy 3803Foot starters are for Stovebolters and people who need a kick in the ...
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | What I find intriguing is that I can remove the spring with a pair of pliars but I can't put it back on that way. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 174 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 174 | Truckernix i was just thinking that, they come off so easy, yet impossible to go back on the same way haha | | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 575 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 575 | Josh - I heeded Truckernix's warning when I reinstalled my springs and opted to not let the tool dig into my nice new pricey pad.
What I did do was apply my 250lbs of body weight and that same tool with the spring hooked on the end and just strong armed it back on. I grunted and the kids needed earmuffs near by, but I got them on! | | | | | Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 174 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 174 | Haha I'll give it another shot once the weather gets decent. i've had no luck trying to force it with a screwdriver, so i got a little grooved tool we had at school to try. if that doesn't work, i guess ill be looking for that brake spring tool | | | | | Joined: Mar 2012 Posts: 5 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Mar 2012 Posts: 5 | YOU NEED TO COMPRESS THE WHEEL CYLINDER ZIP TIE IT IN THAT POSITION .Then attach the spring . I studied thisa long time before executing. Another way is to install wheel cylinder after spring is attached. Then lever the shoes open with pry bar and then install the wheel cylinder. Makes you wonder how they did thousends of them on the assembly line back in the day. 1tonnner | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 235 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2005 Posts: 235 | i second that.
I pulled off the adjuster caps and put the spring on and used a bar to lever the shoe out of the way when i put the cap back on the wheel cylinder.
just make sure no one touches the brake pedal!
Jeremy | | | | | Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 268 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 268 | When I was a much younger person I worked in a service station (A Real Service Station/Garage) doing repairs and tuneups, which included brake jobs of all types.
We had a tool for replacing the brake springs. When it came time to do the brakes on my 1 ton, found an old brake spring tool/pliers on eBay for $5.00 cheap for the labor saving. Just like I used back in the late 50s and 60s on my ill spent youth;0
Dance like no one is watching,
Sing like no one is listening,
Love like you've never been hurt.
1948 GMC FC101 1/2t Pickup w/270 and SM420
1948 GMC FC253 1t Factory 80"x9' Flatbed Dually
1948 Chevy COE 2 Ton 8'x15' Flatbed
1950 GMC 354-24 2 Ton 8'X12' Flatbed w/Dump Hoist
1953 GMC 454-30 3 Ton 8'x14' Flatbed w/Dump Hoist
1953 GMC 454-30 3 Ton Cab and Chassis
1942 Clarkator 6 MILL-44 Heavy Aircraft Tug
1942 Ford (9N) Moto Tug with 1/2 yard Loader
1947 Oliver OC3 HG-42 Tract-Crawler Bull Dozier w/6' Blade
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