What is this broken part?

[Woodsplinter]

Found this today while crawling under my M35A2. It's part of the parking brake assembly. It is pictured in the TM's but it is not identified.
Can anyone tell me what it is, what does it do, is it important, how to replace, etc...?? The parking brake works fine.

Thanks!!

 

[John S-B]

I believe that would be a spring to keep your parking brake from dragging on the drum when released. Replacing should be pretty straighforward, loosen the bolts holding it on, replace the part, tighten down the bolts. The -24 manual that you can download off this site will have the part #. Download all the TM's, it's free, and saves you from taking a virtual beat-down for not looking up the answer in a TM.

 

[WillWagner]

Commonly called a "mustache" spring. You can get them at the regular places like Saturn, Memphis, Antelope Valley Truck, White Owl, etc. Ask for it by that name and they will know.

 

[Woodsplinter]

Thanks guys!!
I have all the TM's and when I looked up the parking brake I found the diagrams and procedures. That part is pictured but i didn't see it mentioned or identified. I'll look deeper now that I know what it is.!

 

[DUECE-COUPE]

Looks like it was installed upside down, when installed correctly, it really looks like a mustache with the hump of the spring in the upward position.

 

[Woodsplinter]

D-C, according to the TM you're right. I just ordered a replacement and will make sure it goes in correctly.
Thanks again guys!

 

[gimpyrobb]

I don't know that installing it "up side down" will effect it. My bet is someone driving with the brake on, heated it up and took the temper out of the spring, then it cracked easily.

 

[lawdog1623]

ebay has a few on the cheap as well!

 

[Flyingvan911]

I got mine from Erik's. I had to replace the shoes so I replaced the rusty springs as well.

 

[Woodsplinter]

Sounds good- thanks!

 

[M813rc]

Buy several, and keep them in your truck. The new one will break in a year or so (at least they do on the M813, and I do not drive around with the parking brake on). Most of the deuces/5-tons I have been a part of recovering had this spring broken.

Cheers

 

[Woodsplinter]

Ok thanks for the info- I've got 2 on order now. Hopefully that will last for awhile!