Drum Brake Tool Set--recommendations needed

[BrandoJames]

Can anyone recommend a DIY drum brake tool set for around $50. I've done several disk brake jobs, but never drum brakes. I'm a little nervous, figured the first step is making sure I have the right tools for the job. Thanks.

 

[Tallpilot]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BR1BV8Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00061SGO0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dogdog]

If you can spend a little on the astro set, the standard all in one tool *****... at least for me that spring clip was the most PITA to do, and not the springs, that all in one is just too clumsy to use . if it is your first time doing it, take pic of parts placement before you pull everything apart...

 

[unslow1]

Better than a pic it to leave one side together. Make sure you know which shoe goes where and buy the hardware kit. I'd recommend watching a South Main Auto drum brake video.

 

[plinker]

I have the Astro set, 7848, but actually use these other tools listed most of the time.

I have a (bad?) habit of using 9LN vise grips for spring removal & installation, Not the "proper" tool, but I've not really had any issues doing so. If you're not wearing safety glasses you should be!

The brake pliers I have are KD USA, these would be a good substitute,
https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/14-bendix-brake-spring-pliers.html

Brake adjuster (The main one I use),https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/8-wilde-brake-adjuster.html
https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/8-wilde-brake-adjuster-38246.html

Snap-on BST6 spring retainer "nut" tool, It's a lot more expensive then most, but works better then any other I've used as it's magnetic and actually holds the part. I also have a double ended Craftsman tool that I used before this one and it works well too. Very similar to the one in the second link.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Snap-on-Tools-USA-Red-Soft-Grip-Magnetic-Brake-Spring-Retainer-Tool-BST6/113873752543?epid=27031385921&hash=item1a836791df:g:h3UAAOSwN7dc41ru:sc:USPSFirstClass!54555!US!-1
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Brake-Spring-Retaining-Tool-2774-Service-Tools-Napa/332032796315?hash=item4d4eb2669b:g:NZMAAOSwKOJYK06W



Taking pic's of the already assembled brake can help, doing one side at a time is another way to keep track of what is what, though one side is usually mirror opposite from the other so you have to take that into account. Until you get used to doing drum brakes, it's best to pay very close attention to each component and what direction they are installed in.

GM's can have a large horseshoe spring which is fairly simple but can be a pain in the rear.

 

[BrandoJames]

I'd recommend watching a South Main Auto drum brake video.

I'm actually an SMA subscriber and watched Eric O do a drum brake job on a Ford Ranger. He makes things look easy. A thirty minute job for Eric O will take me four hours (with a lot of cursing).

 

[CJM8515]

tools? Ive seriously used a pair of large dykes and a channel lock for a long, long time. I also have a small screwdriver i bent too.



the astro set is nice tho

 

[kctyphoon]

I think i bought a tool - and wound up using long nose vise grips and a screwdriver on my truck’s brakes..

 

[unslow1]

I think i bought a tool - and wound up using long nose vise grips and a screwdriver on my truck’s brakes..

I've done a lot more drum brakes with screwdrivers and vise-grips than with the correct tools.

 

[bpjr]

I'm a DIY guy and done a bunch of drum brake jobs without special brake tools. It's not something to freak out about but tools do make it easier. The last one I did was 3-4 yrs ago and I decided to try the HF drum brake kit for $10-15. I remember it made getting the springs and clips off easier but wasn't the difference between getting or not getting the job done. Changing tires with screwdrivers is way harder.

 

[icthruu74]

I’ve also done a lot of drum brake work without special tools. Basic tools will usually get the job done. And old guy I knew used a socket for the retaining spring clips.

It is pretty amazing how much brake spring pliers help though.

 

[The Fall]

As someone mentioned, leave one side intact so you can reference it. Take a few cell phone photos of the one you're working on before disassembling. Pay attention to the order in which the springs are installed, especially around the anchor pin -- it can make a difference.

I think brake spring pliers, a brake spoon and needle-nose vise grips are a must. A spring retaining tool helps. A heavy dead blow does too if the shoes are stuck to the drums even are toeing them in. PB Blaster is great. Flare-nut wrench if you're doing wheel cylinders too.

I do a lot of drum brakes still -- far more than disc brakes -- but that's because everything that comes in is usually earlier than 1970. We just did a '49 Styleline with some dinosaur wheel cylinders, unbelievably the stock ones. Shoes feel apart when we pulled the drums off. Things gets interesting as they get older.

 

[The Fall]

Also, as you probably know already, get the drums turned or a new set for the rears if they're out of spec since you're replacing the shoes. The guy next door to us will turn them for ten a drum. It can save some money and is worth it.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I think i bought a tool - and wound up using long nose vise grips and a screwdriver on my truck’s brakes..

Yep ! You got to have both of those ! The hold down spring tool is not required, but it works well. Buy the $13 HF brake tool kit and some GOOD long nose vise grips. A good wire brush is important for cleaning.


Best tip on drum brakes. Do one side at a time. You can reference the other side when re-assembling !

 

[Legion Prime]

Best tip on drum brakes. Do one side at a time. You can reference the other side when re-assembling !

This and your cell phone camera. The two best pieces of advice for doing your first drum brakes. For tools, I grew up doing them with a pair of pliers and a screwdriver so if you need to get it done you can get it done. If you want to buy some tools the first one I'd say to buy is the adjusting spoon especially if you're not doing them on a lift. Out of all the different tools, I'd say for me, that one makes the biggest difference.

 

[dogdog]

you guys know that in order for the left / right pads to be interchangeable... they are installed opposite way.. so make sure you take a pic or sit the for a while to figure out ... the "otherside" reference is going to be rough.

it can be done without special tools I have always used just a pliers and a flat head... but on larger cars with the stronger retaining clip... dam that was making me feel old or I have developed my hand muscle somewhere else ;/

 

[joe_pinehill1]

Better than a pic it to leave one side together. Make sure you know which shoe goes where and buy the hardware kit. I'd recommend watching a South Main Auto drum brake video.

I do drum brakes about every 5 years. This is good advice and what I do. Jack up the rear, take both drums off, and have one side to use as a reference when you re-assemble.

Im sure guys that do them everyday don't worry.

 

[Wrench97]

It depends on what drum brakes you are doing as a lot of the newer stuff has different hardware but for the last 40+ years I've mostly used the KD280, KD285 and KD287. With pliers and a small long screwdriver for anything else.

 

[HenryAZ]

I did the rear drum brakes when rebuilding a Toyota FJ-40. Dual pistons, and luckily I was still able to buy new pistons. There are four different part numbers, because one piston points up and one down, and then the different screw threads for the adjusters left and right and up and down make for four different pistons. Thankfully the piston boxes were clearly marked LF, LR, RF, and RR. A special Toyota adjuster tool, too, much smaller than a regular spoon. Of course you could also use a screwdriver.

 

[fasteddie]

Taking pics and referencing the other side is good advice only IF they were done correctly by the previous installer. I always suspected mine were not right, I was right. With 3 springs and extra unused holes in the shoes, it's easy to get it wrong.. Try to find a pic of a stock installation online if possible.

 

[bcradio]

tools? Ive seriously used a pair of large dykes and a channel lock for a long, long time. I also have a small screwdriver i bent too.



the astro set is nice tho

Are you cutting a lot of stuff?

 

[CJM8515]

Are you cutting a lot of stuff?

No you use the dykes to grab and pull the spring. The spring is tough metal and good luck cutting it with them

 

[bcradio]

No you use the dykes to grab and pull the spring. The spring is tough metal and good luck cutting it with them

Why not just use normal pliers instead of cutters?

 

[CJM8515]

Why not just use normal pliers instead of cutters?

Better grip and the angle helps slide the spring on a lot of the time

 

[L.Cheapo]

Buy whichever tools you want. You probably already have basic tools that will get the job done. One thing I learned after dealing with drum brakes many times, is the better quality tools I had, the faster and easier the job was. I started with a screwdriver and pliers/vise grips. Then cheap brake tools. Then Snap On brake tools. Now I don't mind doing them. Choose your budget and go from there.

 

[unslow1]

I did the rear drum brakes when rebuilding a Toyota FJ-40. Dual pistons, and luckily I was still able to buy new pistons. There are four different part numbers, because one piston points up and one down, and then the different screw threads for the adjusters left and right and up and down make for four different pistons. Thankfully the piston boxes were clearly marked LF, LR, RF, and RR. A special Toyota adjuster tool, too, much smaller than a regular spoon. Of course you could also use a screwdriver.

I had to Google a pic to see what style that was. I've never seen a setup like that one.

 

[joel63]

I had to Google a pic to see what style that was. I've never seen a setup like that one.

I think some early Chrysler products had dual piston brake systems.

 

[jayoldschool]

I've done a lot more drum brakes with screwdrivers and vise-grips than with the correct tools.

Yep, I have the "correct tools" and I use vise grips/needle nose and a flat blade screwdriver. And eye protection, lol.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I had to Google a pic to see what style that was. I've never seen a setup like that one.

Early VW Type 2 Microbuses had it on the front.

 

[bcschief]

I would also recommend one of these if you do a lot of dodge or ford 3/4 or 1 ton rear drum brakes. It is for the shoe hold down springs.

Brian