Brake springs

[PaulS]

I hate to ask a really novice question, but...

When I replaced the brake pads, springs, etc. on my old tractor (same year as my Willys), I bought a brake spring tool--a funny set of pliers, with a couple tools on the end of each arm.  The springs on the tractor didn't need the plier part, but the other tools (one for removing and one for reinstalling).

The CJ3A is different, though.  The springs don't have one end on a bar sticking off the plate, like the tractor did.  The springs hook directly onto the plate itself.  I can't figure out how to get the springs off, without using brute force.  But I'm sure there's a better solution than brute force.  Any suggestions?

-Paul

[1955CJ-5]

There must be a proper tool and technique..i don't have either.

But, I did replace all four shoe sets. I just took a flat bladed screwdriver and slid/pushed  the one end of the spring back into the hole in the shoe, then one more small push and it popped off.

When replacing the springs, I first hooked the end that i had originally pushed off, and then used a pliers to grab, stretch and insert the other end in the hole...

I know there is a better way, but this worked..

[PaulS]

This is the tool I have:

When the spring hooks over a little post, you just put that black socket over the post, turn it, and off pops the spring.� The divot at the end of the other handle is used for reinstalling springs.� Unfortunately, the Jeep brake springs don't hook over a little post...� (And these things are only 8 bucks at Princess Auto.� Probably a similar price at Harbor Freight for those in the US.� Or you can something similar from SnapOn for $30+.)

I haven't figured out what the pliers do, though.� If there's a way to use them on the Jeep, I haven't figured it out.

Sounds like the brute force method works, though!

-Paul

[1955CJ-5]

I've seen those pliers, and I suspect that you are right, they are for removing the springs, but I don't know how they work either...

Maybe someone will give an explanation, and then I'll go buy a pair!

[1955CJ-5]

OK, a short search on google and this is the idea...

[PaulS]

That makes total sense now!  I'll give it a try and report back.

-Paul

[PaulS]

That worked! You need something to protect the lining (unless you're tossing the pads).

-Paul

[F Bill]

That worked! You need something to protect the lining (unless you're tossing the pads).

-Paul

Not necessarily, if you have riveted linings you can place the point on a rivet....and actually the mark you would get from putting it on the lining itself won't be significant. Unless you have really soft linings.

One thing that may help out is to use the brake springs to hold the two shoes together, then install on the backing plate. I seem to remember doing this on my Bendix brakes on my GPW but I haven't been inside jeep brakes since other than to take parts out of shipping boxes so I could be wrong on some applications.

[Carls_jeep]

I use a pair of vise grips and grip the spring near the hook end and stretch the spring to remove the hook from the hole. It will make you grunt removing and installing the spring though.

[athawk11]

I'm with Carl.  Vise Grips.

I find it to be one of the most useful tools ever made.

Tim

[BA]

Paul
 I agree with Carl, just one suggestion, Please wear safety glasses when working on brake springs.
I had friend doing a brake job when spring broke and hit him in the eye costing him sight in one of them
Bruce

[PaulS]

Vice grips sure are useful, but those brake spring pliers worked awesome once I figured them out (thanks to 1955CJ-5's post above).  One quick squeeze, and they popped right off.  No grunting required!  (Not a bad $8 investment--especially since I bought them for the tractor, not the Jeep.)

[Quebec Jeep]

I did'nt used a tool to do it.
I saw this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsefLB8yOZg

At around 3:55sec, it is shown how to install the shoe with the spring. So I just did the opposite to remove it.

I plan to do like it shown to reinstall them.

[PaulS]

You know, that thought had actually occurred to me.  But I figured that at least the first time I disassembled a Willys brake, I wanted the spring off first.  Once I get the feel for how it all goes together, I can do that next time.

I will certainly reassemble that way, though!

-Paul

[Blake]

harborfreight sells a brake spring hook.  I have used one for years on all drum brakes.  $ 6.99  item 95757