Brake spring pliers are a specialized tool used in repairing the brakes on vehicles. They are designed to do two jobs: one is to remove and disassemble the brake shoes and lining, and the other is to reassemble the brakes.
These pliers are typically made of a sturdy metal and feature two curved, pointed ends that make it easy to work in tight spaces. The end of the pliers are made to fit over the brake springs and act as a lever to help remove them from the brake drums.
Brake spring pliers also make it easier to compress the springs for re-assembly and installation, as the force needed to achieve this can be considerable. They are a necessary tool for any professional mechanic, DIYer, or mechanic’s apprentice.
How do you remove a drum brake spring?
Removing a drum brake spring can be a complicated task, but with the right tools and knowledge it can be done relatively easily. The first step is to remove the hubcap, drum brake cover, and adjusting plate.
After this you will need to remove the cotter pin, followed by removing the drum brake adjuster nut, brake adjuster lever and its return spring, and the hold down spring. Then you can remove the wheel cylinder, followed by the brake shoes, and finally the drum brake springs.
Make sure to note the positions of all the pieces so that you can correctly reinstall them. Next, use a flathead screwdriver and pick to hold the spring as you carefully unwind one end of it from the anchor.
Use a pair of pliers to lift the other end of the spring away from the wheel cylinder and slowly back out of the wheel cylinder. Note that the drum brake spring, wheel cylinder, and all the other components wear out, so it’s important to replace all of the components when removing the drum brake spring.
How do you use a spring wrench?
A spring wrench is a versatile tool that is used when working with automotive vehicle components, such as spark plugs, brake calipers, and other similar parts. To use the spring wrench, you will need to start by loosening the nut or bolt you are trying to access.
Then, position the wrench around the nut or bolt and ensure that it is securely fastened. Once the wrench is in place, draw the handle of the wrench away from the nut or bolt to compress the spring, which will give you the added torque needed to break the nut or bolt free.
After that, you can finish unscrewing the nut or bolt with your fingers, as the spring wrench will have done most of the work for you. If you need to tighten the nut or bolt back into place, the same steps apply in reverse order, with the exception that you should be tightening the bolt instead of loosening it.
Always be sure to check the torque specifications for the particular nut or bolt when using a spring wrench so that you don’t apply too much or too little force.
Do you need special tools for drum brakes?
Yes, you will need special tools when you work on drum brakes. You will need a drum brake shoe spreader, a pry bar, metric and standard wrenches, a hammer, and an impact gun. The brake shoe spreader helps to fit the brake shoes in their proper position, while a pry bar is used to push the emergency brake cable during installation.
Wrenches and a hammer are used for tightening and loosening the bolts and replacing the wheel cylinders and adjusting bolts. An impact gun helps to break bigger bolts that don’t budge with a traditional tool.
Additionally, you will also need a brake spring tool in order to tension the springs and a vacuum gun to help bleed your brake system.
How do you install brake shoe springs?
Installing brake shoe springs typically involves removing the existing spring, cleaning out the area it sits in, lubricating the spring, and then inserting the new spring. Here are the steps:
1. Properly secure the vehicle to prevent any accidents or injuries.
2. Pry out the old shoe springs using a flat-head screwdriver.
3. Clean around the area where the spring was standing.
4. Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the coils of the new spring.
5. Fit the new spring into the shoe, ensuring the coils are properly aligned and all the clips are facing towards the outside.
6. Push the spring firmly and evenly into the channel until it is flush with the surface.
7. Install the pins and bolts that secure the shoe springs in place.
8. Test the brakes and ensure they are functioning properly.
What does a brake spoon do?
A brake spoon is a tool used to adjust the brakes on a vehicle. It is used to apply pressure to the brakes and facilitate their adjustment. The brake spoon is designed to be used with a special spanner or wrench to help turn the brake drum and release the tension on the brake assembly, allowing it to be adjusted as needed.
The brake spoon can also be used to hold the brake shoes in place and keep them from moving while adjustments are being made. The shape of the spoon ensures that the brake shoes stay in place and the depth of the spoon helps make sure that the brakes are properly adjusted.
Using a brake spoon is essential for any brake repairs and adjustments, helping to keep brakes working smoothly and efficiently.
When should you cage a spring brake chamber?
You should cage a spring brake chamber if there is visible damage to the outside of the chamber or if you suspect any damage due to it being in an accident. Additionally, if it has been sitting for a long period of time and isn’t functioning properly, then you should cage it.
You can also cage a spring brake chamber if you’re attempting to troubleshoot a brakes issue, as the cage will prevent the spring brake chamber from activating the brakes while you’re working. Finally, in some locations it may be required to cage the brake chamber while it’s in storage or while it’s being transported.
What do spring brakes look like?
Spring brakes are a type of mechanical brake system. They are typically found on trailers and other large vehicle components, such as an intermodal chassis. They are usually installed on the axle and are connected to mechanically controlled air chambers.
When air pressure is applied to the air chamber, it extends a lever arm connected to the brakes and applies the brakes. The brake system includes a pair of spring brakes, one on each end of the axle, typically connected with a cable.
The brakes are typically used in combination with drum brakes, meaning they aren’t used as the sole braking system.
Spring brakes differ in appearance and design, depending on the type of vehicle they are found on. Typically, they are composed of a metal bracket which holds an air chamber, two lever arms, two pair of brakes with connecting springs and hardware, and an air control valve.
On a trailer with two axles, two spring brakes will typically be present, one on each axle.
Generally, spring brakes are designed to activate when the vehicle has been parked for a period of time and the air pressure has been bled off. This helps to protect and prevent the vehicle from rolling away when the parking brake is activated.
It also helps to create a secondary level of safety in emergency braking situations.
Are spring brakes parking brakes?
No, spring brakes are not the same as parking brakes. Spring brakes are an emergency brake system used on certain semitrucks, trailers, and buses. This system consists of brakes that are held in the apply position by a spring rather than requiring air pressure to hold them in the applied position.
The design of this system is intended to allow the brakes to be automatically applied in the event of a separation between the tractor and trailer or a sudden loss of air pressure from the brake system.
Parking brakes, on the other hand, are a type of brake that activates when the vehicle is stopped to prevent it from rolling away. They are usually mechanically activated, often by a semi-automatic lever or button.
What do springs do on drum brakes?
Springs on drum brakes are an important part of the braking system. Generally speaking, the springs hold the friction components, like the shoes and cylinders, in place and help keep the brake lining in proper contact with the brake drum.
The springs are designed to compensate for the wear of the drum brake components, making sure each component maintains its respective position in the brake drum. These springs also absorb the shock when the brakes are applied, preventing brake pedal pulsation and extending the drum brake system’s life.
Finally, the drum brake springs also ensure proper wheel clearance when the brakes are released. All of these benefits of drum brake springs make them an essential part of the brake system, helping to make sure each wheel is receiving the proper amount of braking force.
