Brake shoe return spring

[MILRET45]

It must just be me since I have done several searches and can't find anyone who has had a problem re-installing the deuce brake shoe return spring. I popped the spring off for a wheel cylinder replacement using the larger Lisle spring removal tool with no problem. However the return spring hook falls too short of the attaching hole in the brake shoe to use the slot on the end of the tool handle designed to hold the spring and leverage it back in place.

All other brake parts are installed in normal positions.

I've used a Lisle spring plier on smaller vehicles with less spring tension with no problem.

 

[DatGuyC]

I just used a decently thick flathead screw driver to take them off and put them back on. Put the spring hook on the shaft, put the tip in the hole where the hook is supposed to sit, and push out with the handle of the screw driver so the spring hook slides down and into the hole. Took me a couple tries usually but it worked for doing all three axles on my truck.

 

[cbvet]

I use a larger brake spring pliers I bought at NAPA. Works fine.