Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Brake hold down springs

Hi,

I was changing the brake shoes on my 97 contour yesterday and I can't get the hold down springs back on. Is there a trick to this? I can't seem to compress the spring enough to twist the pin and have it hold.

I think the actual problem is that I only have two hands.

Thanks,

Steve

If you reuse the old springs they often get bent out of shape. Pick up a brake hardware kit (comes with new springs and slider bushings) and use a pair of pliers to to put the new springs on. It only costs a few dollars and makes things much easier.

Good thinking - I'll swing by the store this afternoon. Thanks for the advice.

Steve

Usually what stops them is the shoes aren't fully seated. I have a tool that presses the whole retainer in and lets you turn it to line it up while holding the pin against the backing plate.