Drum Brake Tools?

[M-EGT]

Anyone recommend a good set of drum brake tools? Hopefully soon (though perhaps not, as its 110º outside) I will do all 4 drum brakes on my Buick.
Looking for some tools to make it easier, any recommendations?

 

[JJThrasher]

I have the Lisle set from Oreilly's. I like them.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

[4x4gearhead]

Buying a set is probably the cheapest way to go however you look, years ago I bought a set from my matco dealer for around $100, I remember seeing them recently for around the same amount of money, this may be out of your price range but this stuff has done me well, havent needed to add to it.

 

[kenfain]

Specialty tools are great! Sometimes it's the only thing that works. But not in this case. A brake hone is the only thing that really can't be duplicated. All the rest of that stuff you don't really have to use. Just makes it easier. Now it's been a couple years since I've done a drum brake without all the stuff. But when I started, they didn't have disc. And I didn't have money for special tools. If your just gonna do this one vehicle. But I can't think of a single thing you would just have to buy. As it's probly just as cheap to buy rebuilt or maybe even new wheel cylinders. You don't even need a hone. But sears sells brake tools. The spring pliers are IMO the most handy followed by the spring retainer tool. I have an assortment of brake spoons. Never use 'em. I always end up using a flathead screwdriver.

 

[Fedwrench]

To me there are two ways of looking at drum brake tools. You can just get a couple of versitle pieces or a complete set.

In the complete set area, this Astro Pneumatic set is rebadged and sold by many tool trucks at a higher price:
http://www.tooltopia.com/astro-pneumatic-7848.aspx

In the piece by piece category, these 3 items with a little skill can do what you need:

http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-298.aspx

http://www.tooltopia.com/lisle-47400.aspx

http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-280.aspx

There are literally many pages of tool catalogs devoted to brake service tools. Some are gadgets to make the company money, others are handy.

As for a brake cylinder hone, I'd pass. Perhaps with a classic car where the part isn't available it would be handy, although I think a wheel cylinder that old might need to be resleeved but, that's another story. I can't remember the last time I used a wheel cylinder hone but, I'm thinking high school in the early to mid 1970s.

 

[Gary S]

I have some accumulated drum brake tools in the bottom of one toolbox, but I never use them. All I need is one flat jaw Visegrip. It beats all the other tools.

 

[ken w.]

I have a set of drum brake tools on Ebay right now. Punch in my user name Kenn2120.

 

[timgr]

I suggest the brake spring pliers like KD 298, and a plain pair of slip joint pliers for the hold-down springs. A sizing caliper KD 3377 saves a lot of time/effort/frustration - size the shoes and assemble, then back up a few times to adjust (assuming the brakes have automatic adjusters).

Forget the hone - instead, buy new cylinders.

 

[Johnny chaos]

The brake spring pliers and the wrenches used on the adjusters should be of good quality, otherwise they are more trouble to use than not having them at all. I bought a cheap set from an auto parts store and pliers would twist, buckle and bend, the springs would just come flying back at me and the adjuster "wrenches" (I don't know the correct name) looked like a seven year old made them, they were very difficult to get into the star wheel and actually adjust the brakes............Fast forward......


I went to Epstein online and they had two different styles of spring pliers and the adjuster wrenches in their clearance section. They were made by Wilde and were about the same price I paid for the auto parts store kit that nearly took my eye.

 

[timgr]

Usually the paddles you turn the star wheel with are called "spoons."

I never use them, because I set the shoes with a sizing caliper like the KD 3377. If the car has automatic adjusters, you should never have to adjust the star wheel manually. Set the shoes to the drum size using the calipers, then assemble. The automatic adjusters tighten the star wheel when you drive in reverse and apply the brakes. You should only have to back up and brake a few times, if the initial adjustment (set by the caliper) is close to correct.

Note that worn out self adjuster parts will not work. Test the adjusters by pulling on the cable or rod to make the lever climb the star wheel. When you release, the lever should turn the star wheel and tighten the brake shoes.

If your brakes manually adjust (on your 1941 Whippet or whatever), you'll need the brake spoon. But you can still get the adjustment close with the caliper.

This is what the pros use - http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-3377.aspx

 

[timgr]

Some additional advice - be sure to put things back on the correct side. Front is front, for both sides of the car - ie, each side is a mirror image of the other. There are left-handed and right-handed adjusters - don't get them mixed up. The shoes should tighten when you work the rod or lever, as mentioned above. A little dab of white grease on the contact surfaces helps the action - but don't get it on the shoes.

 

[4x4gearhead]

The brake spring pliers and the wrenches used on the adjusters should be of good quality, otherwise they are more trouble to use than not having them at all. I bought a cheap set from an auto parts store and pliers would twist, buckle and bend, the springs would just come flying back at me and the adjuster "wrenches" (I don't know the correct name) looked like a seven year old made them, they were very difficult to get into the star wheel and actually adjust the brakes............Fast forward......


I went to Epstein online and they had two different styles of spring pliers and the adjuster wrenches in their clearance section. They were made by Wilde and were about the same price I paid for the auto parts store kit that nearly took my eye.

I believe the wrenches you speak of are reffered to as "spoons", thats what I hear them called.

 

[M-EGT]

Thanks for all your replies.

I just got this in the mail, so I'll see what it says.

 

[kunkernator]

The Craftsman module is currently 50% off at Sears. I know there is one currently in stock at Desert Sky Mall down near Avondale, if you are interested/close by.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-10-pc-brake-set-module/p-00934276000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[xbeatles4x]

Darn, I contemplated buying that set of craftsman over a year ago for 50% off, but ultimately decided against it because I did not need it. Now I am irritated because I need a set now and don't have one nor can I justify paying full price for a Chinese made set.

 

[ttpete]

For the Bendix-style brakes found on most cars, the special tools required are few and inexpensive. Spring pliers aren't needed, just a simple L shaped tool, one end removes the springs and the other replaces them. The hold-down tool is simple and easier to use than pliers. Finally, a brake spoon makes it easier to make adjustments. Everything else can be done with ordinary hand tools.