Solved Parking brake shoe installation tips?

[Brem95]

Good evening everyone, today was a good day for working on the truck. Did my spark plugs and wires (one was finger tight when removing...). That went well, so I got ambitious and decided to get started on the shoes and replacing hardware. I was able to get the driver side old shoes off with no real issues, the friction material was completely gone. I spent about 45 minutes trying to re assemble but it's a pain in the ass. Does anyone have tips and tricks/order of reinstalling?


Thanks!

 

[fast_dave]

@Brem95

I haven't done it BUT the one thing I have read over and over on the forum is that it's much easier when the axle is pulled - which I supposed you've figured out by now

Just throwing it out there - search the forum as well as YouTube.

 

[Brem95]

@Brem95

I haven't done it BUT the one thing I have read over and over on the forum is that it's much easier when the axle is pulled - which I supposed you've figured out by now

Just throwing it out there - search the forum as well as YouTube.

Thanks, i've checked the forum, google and youtube but will keep searching. Thanks lets hope I don't have to pull the axle!

 

[crunchie_frog]

How to: Parking Brake Removal and Installation (with pictures)

Here is a thread about doing this without removing the axles. I have never tried it but have done several removing the axles and and, at least for me, getting the springs back on are difficult enough with the axles removed, can't imagine what it would be like with the axles in place. Removing the axles is not difficult, be careful to avoid getting dirt/rust on/in the rear axle seals and bearings if you do remove them.

 

[fast_dave]

@Brem95

I couldn't help but notice that your Original Post included two great pictures!

Now's your chance to document your mission with a write-up & pics - submit it to the mods, and have it live on as a the ultimate how-to guide!

 

[410Fortune]

Ive done it many many times its one of those jobs where you should plan a whole weekend the first time

Used to take forever and frustrating to try and get the little springs all situated!
Now it takes me about an hour per side, working slowly and very clean
Some tips
Turn the adjuster all the way closed before you even attempt to remove the drum/rotor

Get one of these:

Makes removing and setting the springs SO MUCH EASIER

 

[fast_dave]

Ive done it many many times its one of those jobs where you should plan a whole weekend the first time

@410Fortune

I'm glad that you added the time frame to your reply - seems realistic to me to do a frustrating job properly

I'll add some stuff that I have found valuable:

* take many pics before you take an assembly apart as when you're taking it apart (we all have a camera on our phone)

* mark part orientation with "witness marks" applied with a liquid paint stick (best $5 I've ever spent)

* place all removed parts in clearly marked plastic zip-loc bags (save used ones by washing them out, and put them in a box in the garage for future projects)

 

[nameskreen]

I've done them a couple of times - always with the axles still in. The 1 thing that helped the most was to save the top spring for last and use a wire coat hanger or thick mechanic's wire to pull in onto the shoe. The last time I did it I bought all new hardware, but I ended up re-using the old spring because the new one was too stiff to stretch

 

[koda2000]

I did it once with the axles in. I know how to change drum brake shoes, but I found this job to be q total PITA. If I ever have to do this job again I'm pulling the axles. You rear diff could probably use a fluid change anyway.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Step 1. Remove everything to do with the parking brake.

Step 2. Put in a bag labeled “parking brake junk”

Step 3. Forget it ever existed.

 

[koda2000]

Step 1. Remove everything to do with the parking brake.

Step 2. Put in a bag labeled “parking brake junk”

Step 3. Forget it ever existed.

^^^ Quite possibly the best advice regarding the parking brake shoes.

 

[Brem95]

Ok so took me 4-5 hours.... used needle nose vice grips, pry bars, screw drivers and much more. Lots of swearing and frustration but now the parking brake works like new! Thanks everyone for the suggestions my conclusion is that it’s just a crappy job to do and no real good ways to go about it.

 

[RickOTR]

Remember to sand down the contact points smooth on the backing plate and apply silicone grease to allow the parking brakes to slide easily to avoid hanging up when setting the brake.

 

[Hacra]

Once you learn how to do it, it gets fast.

I fought with the long springs a long time my self, but once you guide springs in with screwdriver and pliers it gets fast, correct technique is the key.
Also i was way too careful with the springs first time, also the springs sometimes slip and slingshot them selves to moon, which will end up being 20 minute search and rescue operation. I'd setup small "walls" from cardboard around the brakes to prevent the springs from going anywhere too far

Edit: If you are unsure what spring goes where, leave other side undisassembled so you can see example from there.

 

[410Fortune]

smart you guys
never occurred to me to remove the axle shafts sheesh.
usually I am doing this on customers trucks so we try to save money where we can.

the tool I posted stretches springs right over the posts, also removes them without them flying off
Always do one side at a time so you can see the other side for reference

Good posts!
PITA tiny drum brakes

 

[Hacra]

This is bit off topic, but wouldn't 1994-2004 mustang calipers/discs work? afaik they had 8.8" rear end with shoeless hand brake, this would save a lot of trouble.

 

[sandsprayer]

Step 1. Remove everything to do with the parking brake.

Step 2. Put in a bag labeled “parking brake junk”

Step 3. Forget it ever existed.

mbrooks420!
just did a coffee spit take!
damn, it's gonna be a good day

 

[J$hort]

I gotta do this as well. I'll probably pull the axles and replace bearings while out. Otherwise I would pull the pads and hang on the wall to swear at. I have a manual transmission and never use the parking brake. I did run into inspection issue where parking brake failed safety test for being too loose. I just tied a knot in the cable and it tightened up a bit.

Any other recommendations for maintenance or performance while axles are out?

 

[Mbrooks420]

If you’ve got the axle tore down, might as well go the extra mile and replace that pinion seal and crush washer.