Rear Brake hold Down Spring

[smaceng]

Hi All,
I hope you can help me. I'm having problems installing the two hold down springs for the rear shoes on my original style BE brakes. I know I should have installed them when I rebuilt the brakes when I had the backing plates off, but you know how the brain works at my age. I've tried needle nose pliers and skinny locking pliers, but I can not compress the spring enough to hook onto the backing plate loop. Any hints would be appreciated.
Scott in CA

 

[Nelson]

I struggled to fit mine and finally had success with the skinny vise grips but there is a tool that is specific tool for doing that chore. I don't know the name for it but it fits over the end of the spring and has a sort of notch on it that will allow you to push and turn the spring at the same time. A local car parts store should be able to sell you one. Good luck.

 

[smaceng]

thanks for the help Nelson.
I checked with the Moss catalog and found a tech memo.
This doen't help either.
One way or the other, I'll get it!
Scott in CA

 

[Hairyone]

yes these are buggers...
I used a skinny flat screwdriver down through the middle of the spring to push onto the bottom tine. Patience, good light, & luck also help.