Brake Tools

[68_Step]

I am getting ready to dive in to a brake job on my 1978 Chevy. It is a 4x4, 1 ton, dual wheels. I am planning to start on the rear drum brakes, inspecting and replacing (or turning) as required.

Are there any special tools that I will need? It has been long time since I have done anything to drum brakes.

[68gmsee]

I have done a lot of work on drum brakes (since the 50's) but always on 1/2 tons. I don't remember using this handy brake tool below but very few times (mostly, because I can't seem to find the doggone tools when I need them).

I use a pair of vise grips, duck bill pliars and two screwdrivers. One screw driver to move the star adjuster and the other to push the auto adjusting lever out of the way while loosening the drums. The vise grips for the springs and the duckbill for the retainers. Since you have a 1 ton, I think you may want to use the hand tool for the springs.

[Sinister]

I hate doing drum brakes, but the tool 68gmsee posted makes it a lot easier. Should be available at most parts places.

[matthew.mcmullin]

I only do one side at a time. Then I can always look at the other when I mess it up or get temporarily confused

[Rack Man]

Here, check out this awesome link....Just in case you need a little assistance in the parts or sequence!

http://www.pbase.com/nufsed/drumbrake




RM

[mrein3]

Originally Posted by Rack Man

Here, check out this awesome link....Just in case you need a little assistance in the parts or sequence!

http://www.pbase.com/nufsed/drumbrake


RM

This is a good link - if you're working on a 1/2 ton.
The brakes on your 1-ton are similar but the drums are not. You'll need a spanner wrench just to get into them if I remember correctly. It has been a long time since I worked on a 3/4-ton or 1-ton rear.

[68_Step]

68gmsee / Sinister: I saw those at my local auto parts store yesterday - will pick them up.

RackMan: Now that is what I call step by step instructions! Since I have a 1-ton, if mine look different I will grab the camera.

matthew.mcmullin: Since I never get confused I will take apart both sides

mrein3: Spanner wrench? I do not have one of them - is this to help pull the drum itself off?

Thanks everybody!

[mrein3]

Originally Posted by 68_Step

snip...

mrein3: Spanner wrench? I do not have one of them - is this to help pull the drum itself off?

Thanks everybody!

Yes.
Once the drum is off it is a similar only much larger setup as 1/2 ton brake shoes.