What is this spring's job? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Nima · 06-04-2006, 12:43 PM

Hey all:
This spring on my right rear drum is broken and I can't find anything close to it to replace it. I was wondering what does it exactly do and if I really I have to replace it. If I have to, what do you recommend.
Thanks.

HUEVUDO · 06-04-2006, 01:36 PM

hey i just did my brakes awhile ago new shoes then wheel cyclinders. I also bought a spring packet that had a assortment of all the springs for a drum brake . It was like 8 bucks. at autozone. hope it helps

69-350 · 06-04-2006, 02:16 PM

that's for your parking brake, it looks like. (notice the bar looking deal it sits on?) I think it's called a helper spring. Either way, if you want your parking brake to work on that one, I would recommend replacing it. As a matter of fact, just to be safe, I would recommend replacing all of your springs/seals/etc when you do a brake job. I remember my auto tech teacher saying something about the danger of brakes... if your motor doesn't run, you can't move your vehicle anywhere, if your tranny doesn't work, you can't move it anywhere, if your brakes don't work, you can't stop moving.... so don't skimp out on putting a little extra money down. Besides, you'll feel better (and safer) with all new brake stuff anyways (eerrr....assuming you do brakes correctly

)

Nima · 06-04-2006, 02:30 PM

Thanks guys. I bought one of those springs packs but it doesn't have that particular one. Yes I have changed all the springs but I don't know what to do with this one

69-350 · 06-04-2006, 02:33 PM

really now? that's on the rear drum... the kit you got is specifically for that rear drum? That's odd that they didn't put in one of those springs... I guess you can either loot one that looks okay (you'll be able to tell if they look fatigued and bad) or you can check with a local parts house.

**Smitty** · 06-04-2006, 06:43 PM

Find a shop that does brakes and front end alignment or find a NAPA store and I'll bet you can get one there!

4x4Poet · 06-04-2006, 08:50 PM

The lever that the spring wraps around is the park brake "equalizer." It's function is to transmit the e-brake cables' pulling force from the parking brake lever that the cable attaches to to the shoe on the opposite side. The little spring on the equalizer is there to keep the equalizer's slot in proper alignment with the shoe and also to put a little pressure back upon the parking brake lever to take up slack in the cable and maybe prevent rattles.

As the drums wear and thereby move further apart, the equalizer might fall out without that spring which would kill the e-brake for that side. Then, applying the e-brake with a missing lever would cause a swerving brake action since only one drum had e-brake function. Not good, if I'm correct. Whatever the case, the spring is important for the proper alignment of the equalizer with the shoe and parking brake lever.

The springs for the equalizer are available at parts stores. I picked two up from NAPA a few months ago for less than $3. On hand. From what I've found, the equalizer's springs are not part of the overall brake spring kits for the shoes just as the adjusters and their levers & springs are not part of the overall brake spring kits.

**truckdude239** · 06-04-2006, 09:25 PM

how did that not come in a kit???? that is a stanard spring for drum brakes me think you need to go back and get anohter kit get it from napa or carquest

72 CustomCamper · 06-04-2006, 11:31 PM

I've never had that spring come with a hardware kit. You can buy it online from PartsAmerica.com for $5.00 each...

Chuck

Nima · 06-05-2006, 12:20 AM

yep, I went back and lookked at two other kits. No spring in them. I guess I have to go to NAPA.

4x4Poet · 06-05-2006, 12:44 AM

I found the NAPA receipt for the equalizer springs. I bought them for a 72 K20 with an Eaton H052 having 11 inch brakes. Be sure to ask by application, axle, and brake size anyway.

Spring
NAPA part# UP 80744
$1.36

06-04-2006, 12:43 PM	#1
Nima Blue 67 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Western WA Posts: 1,179	What is this spring's job? Hey all: This spring on my right rear drum is broken and I can't find anything close to it to replace it. I was wondering what does it exactly do and if I really I have to replace it. If I have to, what do you recommend. Thanks. Attached Images __________________ 1953 GMC 3/4 ton: current project 1967 C20: 5.3 voretc with T5 conversion, 4 wheel 8 lug disc brake 1972 Nova: my 4 door sport sedan! 5.3 voretc + T5 conversion. drivable project, FUN!! 1979 Camaro Z28: 5.3 vortec conversion with build TH350: drivable project, Fun to drive 1992 Camaro RS convertible (Z28 clone): 5.3 conversion with build T5: on going project 2005 Silverado 2500, 4x4 Duramax, original owner

06-04-2006, 01:36 PM	#2
HUEVUDO Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 239	Re: What is this spring's job? hey i just did my brakes awhile ago new shoes then wheel cyclinders. I also bought a spring packet that had a assortment of all the springs for a drum brake . It was like 8 bucks. at autozone. hope it helps

06-04-2006, 02:16 PM	#3
69-350 Oil trash and damn proud of it Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Williston, ND Posts: 1,993	Re: What is this spring's job? that's for your parking brake, it looks like. (notice the bar looking deal it sits on?) I think it's called a helper spring. Either way, if you want your parking brake to work on that one, I would recommend replacing it. As a matter of fact, just to be safe, I would recommend replacing all of your springs/seals/etc when you do a brake job. I remember my auto tech teacher saying something about the danger of brakes... if your motor doesn't run, you can't move your vehicle anywhere, if your tranny doesn't work, you can't move it anywhere, if your brakes don't work, you can't stop moving.... so don't skimp out on putting a little extra money down. Besides, you'll feel better (and safer) with all new brake stuff anyways (eerrr....assuming you do brakes correctly ) __________________ Mark 1997 K1500 Z71, 14 bolt SF 3.73 posi, Bright Blue Metallic. 6" Superlift 1972 C-10, toolbox, p/s, 350/TH350/3.73 open, black int., bronze 2008 Dodge MegaCab. H&S tuned 6.7 Cummins. Fast Four Tons Some of my pics http://s107.photobucket.com/albums/m294/69-350/

06-04-2006, 02:30 PM	#4
Nima Blue 67 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Western WA Posts: 1,179	Re: What is this spring's job? Thanks guys. I bought one of those springs packs but it doesn't have that particular one. Yes I have changed all the springs but I don't know what to do with this one __________________ 1953 GMC 3/4 ton: current project 1967 C20: 5.3 voretc with T5 conversion, 4 wheel 8 lug disc brake 1972 Nova: my 4 door sport sedan! 5.3 voretc + T5 conversion. drivable project, FUN!! 1979 Camaro Z28: 5.3 vortec conversion with build TH350: drivable project, Fun to drive 1992 Camaro RS convertible (Z28 clone): 5.3 conversion with build T5: on going project 2005 Silverado 2500, 4x4 Duramax, original owner

06-04-2006, 02:33 PM	#5
69-350 Oil trash and damn proud of it Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Williston, ND Posts: 1,993	Re: What is this spring's job? really now? that's on the rear drum... the kit you got is specifically for that rear drum? That's odd that they didn't put in one of those springs... I guess you can either loot one that looks okay (you'll be able to tell if they look fatigued and bad) or you can check with a local parts house. __________________ Mark 1997 K1500 Z71, 14 bolt SF 3.73 posi, Bright Blue Metallic. 6" Superlift 1972 C-10, toolbox, p/s, 350/TH350/3.73 open, black int., bronze 2008 Dodge MegaCab. H&S tuned 6.7 Cummins. Fast Four Tons Some of my pics http://s107.photobucket.com/albums/m294/69-350/

06-04-2006, 06:43 PM	#6
Smitty Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Spring Valley, Ca. Posts: 1,133	Re: What is this spring's job? Find a shop that does brakes and front end alignment or find a NAPA store and I'll bet you can get one there! __________________ Smitty '71 Short Fleetside Spring Valley, Ca.

06-04-2006, 08:50 PM	#7
4x4Poet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: "Under Montana skies." Posts: 1,836	The lever that the spring wraps around is the park brake "equalizer." It's function is to transmit the e-brake cables' pulling force from the parking brake lever that the cable attaches to to the shoe on the opposite side. The little spring on the equalizer is there to keep the equalizer's slot in proper alignment with the shoe and also to put a little pressure back upon the parking brake lever to take up slack in the cable and maybe prevent rattles. As the drums wear and thereby move further apart, the equalizer might fall out without that spring which would kill the e-brake for that side. Then, applying the e-brake with a missing lever would cause a swerving brake action since only one drum had e-brake function. Not good, if I'm correct. Whatever the case, the spring is important for the proper alignment of the equalizer with the shoe and parking brake lever. The springs for the equalizer are available at parts stores. I picked two up from NAPA a few months ago for less than $3. On hand. From what I've found, the equalizer's springs are not part of the overall brake spring kits for the shoes just as the adjusters and their levers & springs are not part of the overall brake spring kits. __________________ '71 GMC K20 Suburban, '71 GMC K10 Suburban, '72 Chevy C10 CST Suburban, '72 Chevy K20 clunker pickup.

06-04-2006, 09:25 PM	#8
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,237	Re: What is this spring's job? how did that not come in a kit???? that is a stanard spring for drum brakes me think you need to go back and get anohter kit get it from napa or carquest __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

06-04-2006, 11:31 PM	#9
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	Re: What is this spring's job? I've never had that spring come with a hardware kit. You can buy it online from PartsAmerica.com for $5.00 each... Chuck __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

06-05-2006, 12:20 AM	#10
Nima Blue 67 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Western WA Posts: 1,179	Re: What is this spring's job? yep, I went back and lookked at two other kits. No spring in them. I guess I have to go to NAPA. __________________ 1953 GMC 3/4 ton: current project 1967 C20: 5.3 voretc with T5 conversion, 4 wheel 8 lug disc brake 1972 Nova: my 4 door sport sedan! 5.3 voretc + T5 conversion. drivable project, FUN!! 1979 Camaro Z28: 5.3 vortec conversion with build TH350: drivable project, Fun to drive 1992 Camaro RS convertible (Z28 clone): 5.3 conversion with build T5: on going project 2005 Silverado 2500, 4x4 Duramax, original owner

06-05-2006, 12:44 AM	#11
4x4Poet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: "Under Montana skies." Posts: 1,836	Re: What is this spring's job? I found the NAPA receipt for the equalizer springs. I bought them for a 72 K20 with an Eaton H052 having 11 inch brakes. Be sure to ask by application, axle, and brake size anyway. Spring NAPA part# UP 80744 $1.36 __________________ '71 GMC K20 Suburban, '71 GMC K10 Suburban, '72 Chevy C10 CST Suburban, '72 Chevy K20 clunker pickup.



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