TR6 TR6 rear brakes

[nelsondd868]

I'm doing my first rear brake job on my '70 TR6. I've done rear brakes on GM & Fords in the past. Springs can be tricky but these seen impossible. Any special tools or tricks to getting the new return springs in place.

 

[bash]

Hi

I went through the same thing a few months ago - when I took the brakes apart the DPO had put the springs in front of the shoes which meant that nothing seemed to be lined up properly, but I guess he just gave up!

I finally found two ways to do the job - the first is to hook both springs onto one shoe, then thread them past the hub. Now hook the bottom spring to the other shoe and locate the first one in the adjuster (not the cylinder). Then you can "simply" reach behind the second shoe to hook the top spring in place. With both springs in place you just need to maintain enough tension to avoid them falling out while you locate the other three ends with a pair of pliers. Not sure if that makes sense, but as you go to retrieve the spring from the corner of the garage for the tenth time it will start to make sense! At least it did for me...

The other method was to remove the adjuster, locate the springs (pretty easy thanks to the added space) and then have someone push the adjuster into position while you hold the shoes apart.

Hope that helps.
Alistair

PS- Where are you in NJ?

 

[Guest]

I had better success hooking the springs then locating the shoe rather than locating the shoe and trying to hook the spring. You'll see what I mean when you have the drum off...

 

[LastDeadLast]

I agree with above posts. I just got through doing the rear brakes. Hook the springs then stretch the springs to move the shoes in place.

 

[MadRiver]

Just did the rear brakes on my TR-250, and I agree with what everyone said above. I had tried brake spring pliers, but they didn't work, so I gave up and hooked up the springs, then pulled the shoes into place. Worked like a charm.

 

[trrdster2000]

I agree, installed as a unit, then use some wide electrical plyers to get the little spring clips back on. The wide nose helps push the sping down and lets you turn the brake shoe retaining pin. Wayne

 

[nelsondd868]

Thanks for the help....I walked away from it for a few days but I'll give the suggestion a try Saturday AM. Sounds like the way to do it.