Installing rear brake shoes...
 

Have removed the rear brake shoes from the rear brake system BUT left the emergency brake carrier plate intact.

Now I want to install the rear brake shoes (with new pads) and find that it is going to be a not so fun job.

Is there any special tools or tricks that one should know about to accomplish this task?

It probably would be easier to remove the emergency brake carrier plate from the backing plate but if I can accomplish the task without doing so, that would be great.

Thanks.

Pluck

Re: Installing rear brake shoes...
 

Tie a wire around one end of the spring and use a wood handle to pull it into place.

Re: Installing rear brake shoes...
 

And ALL the people said amen.

Re: Installing rear brake shoes...
 

say it aint so joe,say it aint so..

Re: Installing rear brake shoes...
 

Steve,
It can be done but it is a pain. You can actually use a late model brake spring tool.. and I believe I've gone through the e-brake carrier holes and you can pull the spring over the spring stud. It's hard on the springs and you take the risk of overstretching them.
Honestly just pull the 4 cotters on the carrier plate and I use a 3/8 impact to loosen and tighten them which makes is easier. Of course 3/4 wrench on the back side.
use a centering gauge and make sure they are centered .
Larry Shepard

Re: Installing rear brake shoes...
 

Tom and Larry,

Thanks for the suggestions...hope to have both sides done today (Sunday)...it will be a pain in the rear (HA...No pun intended!)...doing the job myself...well with the help of my wife...what a lifesavor!

Will report later.

Pluck

Re: Installing rear brake shoes...
 

Done, not as bad as I thought.

Pluck