Does anyone know how to re-install double coil return spring on e-brake shoes?
 

Friends, good evening,

Tried my hand at changing out the e-brake shoes on my 1988 Coupe. All went well until it was time to reinstall the double coil spring on the side opposite from the adjuster wheel. For the life of me I could not pull that spring to fit it back in the top hole.

Ended up bending the spring and now need to order new ones but still have no idea how to install them. I'm reading about spring installation tools but not sure if the Mercedes one listed on Pel Parts will do the trick.

Looks like this spring was original equipment, so is it possible it just lost its flexibility and new ones will be easier to install? The single coil spring on the side by the adjuster wheel went back on no problem.

Can some who has done this tell me how they did it?

Thank you,
Adam

I've done this only once, but I assembled the shoes and springs while they were on the bench, then gingerly lifted them onto the carrier. I had to pry and fiddle with the expander and star wheel hardware to get them on, but it was easier than risking messing with the springs. Maybe there is a better way.

Both these methods have worked for me:

Loop the end over a long thin screwdriver, insert the screwdriver in the upper spring hole, slide the spring down the shaft while moving the shaft to perpendicular.

Lock a hefty pair of ViseGrips onto the long end of the spring and muscle the spring into the hole using the ViseGrips as your handle.

Wear safety glasses and face protection.
Bill K

I went with method one here, but it was still a real bear...

Thanks gentlemen - appreciate the advice. Will let you know how it turns out when the new springs arrive!

If anyone else has any advice, best practices or tricks of the trades, I'm always hoping to learn something.

Thanks again,
Adam

I just reinstalled both left and right side e-brakes today on my '78. What worked for me is to install the "double" spring to the two brake shoes as the very first step in the process. You have to turn/twist the shoes in your hand to get the spring to sit correctly.

I then positioned the shoes on the car and installed the roll pin and compression spring to the bottom shoe.

Next step is to install the 2 expanding bows with a spring between them. Fitting the inside expanding bow was the hardest step for me. I stuck a long thin screwdriver from where the spacer tube will seat to try to keep the bows in position.

After that, install the roll pin and compression spring to the top shoe, and then the adjuster wheel, and then the other spring next to the adjuster wheel. The suggestions above (thin screwdriver and needle nose pliers) work well for this spring.

If you install the adjuster wheel "upside-down" compared to the other side of the car, then the adjuster will expand the shoes by moving the wheel in the same direction. On my car moving the wheel towards the back of the car on either side expands the shoes.

Finally install the cable and start adjusting and testing. Remember to attach the dust shield before reattaching the brake calipers.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Kerry

Thanks Kerry - I appreciate the detailed reply and step-by-step instructions! I'll keep you posted when I tackle this little beast and let you know how it goes.
Thanks again!
Adam

Friends - following up now that I have completed repairs.

First, I disconnected the top middle coil spring so the top shoe was loose, but still connected on the adjuster side with the shorter spring. Then I used needle nose pliers to pull the spring up as high as possible (bottom end was connected). Because the top shoe was a little lose, I was able to angle it down and fit the spring in. It was still a pain but ended up taking closer to 10 minutes per side compared to the 3 hours I spent last time…and this time I didn't bend the springs. I also had the help of a friend this time, which helped to have one person angle the shoe down and the other person focus on pulling the spring up with the pliers. Thanks again for all the advice.