1996 Buick Century Repair Question
Topics covered: Backing plate, Brakes, Engine.
Mileage: 150,000 miles.
Mileage: 150,000 miles.
Asked on August 28, 2011
How do you re-align the Drum Brake shoes with this w-shaped retractor spring?
I have reassembled the drum brakes and the shoes arent in the right position to allow installation of the adjuster assembly.
Is there a tool to spread the retractor spring or something?
Do you have any tips on the reassembly steps that Chiltons doesnt include?
A flat screwdriver isnt really helping.
Is there a tool to spread the retractor spring or something?
Do you have any tips on the reassembly steps that Chiltons doesnt include?
A flat screwdriver isnt really helping.
Asked by jaedmaloyAnswer
Replied on August 31, 2011
Ya gotta hand it to the engineers at General Motors. When they have a reliable and effective brake system perfected, they still keep looking for a solution where there's no problem. Guess that's how they justify their need to be there.
If you're just trying to install the adjuster mechanism between the two shoes, you just have to pull hard on one of them. An easier alternative is to put the adjuster and spring in place before installing the shoes. That way you can bring the tops closer together to relieve tension on the spring, then use the shoes as levers to pull the spring apart when you place the assembly on the backing plate.