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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Dayton Oh
Posts: 125
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Drum brake tools
Are drum brake tools beneficial or should I just use the standard tools?
If recommended, which kit would you buy for my 67C 10, I’d like to buy quality Tools? |
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#2 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,963
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Re: Drum brake tools
Star wheel adjuster curvy wrench and the shoe retainer spring compressor (looks like a fat nut driver) are worth having on hand. They’re all about the same, I’d just pick them up at a local auto supply. If plan on doing lotsa brake jobs, there is also an emergency brake spring compressor widget that makes it a little easier to remove the e brake cable. But that’s not normally necessary for a standard brake job.
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Parkville, MD
Posts: 1,024
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Re: Drum brake tools
The spring tool for removing and installing the return springs is nice too. Usually on the handle of the E Brake tool.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Harbor Freight set. Whatever you get at the local auto parts store should be good.
__________________
1970 C20 Custom Camper - 350, TH350 1997 GMC Suburban 1994 Acura Integra GSR 1987 Dodge Daytona Shelby Z |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Ozark, AL
Posts: 43
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Re: Drum brake tools
I bought the Harbor Freight set, it was $12, I think, it worked just fine for me
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#5 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Flowery Branch, GA
Posts: 206
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Re: Drum brake tools
The brake pliers from Horror Fright need modification to be useful. The spring removal tool on the end of the HF needs to be ground down about 50% (not shorter, but less circumference). The picture is how it ought to be. The little nubby part on the HF goes around about half way.
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1970 C10 LWB Stepside 1971 Dodge Dart 1993 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon |
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#6 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,635
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Re: Drum brake tools
^^ I have a brake tool like that, don't use it often but it does the trick.
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Lake Forest, CA
Posts: 2,177
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Re: Drum brake tools
Harbor freight is fine since you wont be using daily as a professional.
https://www.harborfreight.com/drum-b...-pc-63640.html
__________________
"Work hard, use your vacation days." 1970 C15 GMC Long Bed 1986 C20 Scottsdale 1983 K2500 Sierra Classic Suburban 6.2 Instagram: C10sofOC |
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#8 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,963
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Re: Drum brake tools
Oh yes, definitely need the spring stretcher - forgot about that one, glad someone added that above. I bought my stuff individually at auto parts store(s) so i could pick out the ones I wanted, but they are pretty much the same everywhere. If I had to pick a brand name, I’d have a preference for Lyle.
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Catskill Mountains,NY
Posts: 8,482
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Re: Drum brake tools
I have the craftsman set. Good quality and even when Sears goes out Ace and Lowes sell craftsman. I have the old 3 piece and the 15 piece sets
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Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary. |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Dayton Oh
Posts: 125
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Re: Drum brake tools
Thank you for all the advice
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Bronx, NY
Posts: 215
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Re: Drum brake tools
I use a pair of needle-nose vise grips ( I think Irwin's 4LN) to remove the hold-down retainers. Clamp the retainer just tight enough to hold it, push down and turn 1/4, while holding the pin from the back side of the backing plate.
The only other tool I have needed on a "normal" Bendix system is one of these: https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...act=mrc&uact=8 My current truck (1981 C-10) doesn't have an access hole on the backing plate so a brake spoon is worthless to get to the adjuster. I would suggest really good eye protection. Take pictures before you take stuff apart, so you can refer to something if you get distracted like can happen. Long shoe to the rear on the rear axle for the emergency brake. And if you are kind of new to brake repair, be advised that other people's lives are dependent on a mistake-free repair. I always swatted the replaced stuff with a hammer and pulled on it to make sure nothing was loose afterwards, before reinstalling drums. Last edited by kazoocruiser; 01-28-2019 at 03:21 PM. |
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