e-brake spring R&R without a buddy

[Paul Bennett]

Changing rear pads on 50 Merc ...

I know how to remove and replace the rear e-brake spring onto the lever affixed to the rear drum brake pad. Simply brute force the spring, i.e. compress it using great force with fingers of both hands and have your buddy slip the lever off or on.

But what if you are attempting this job alone without that third hand? Any suggestions?

 

[Hoosier Hurricane]

I always take a pair of wire cutters, slip the jaws under the end of the spring, compress the spring, grip the cable with the wire cutters, install the end in the lever, and release the cable. John

 

[Sanddoc]

Buy a Brake tool, That is what they are made for... about $18 on Ebay...
Buy made in USA

 

[jailbar Joe]

or...just put a hose clamp on it ...tighten just enough then tap it out....

 

[Warthog5]

I always take a pair of wire cutters, slip the jaws under the end of the spring, compress the spring, grip the cable with the wire cutters, install the end in the lever, and release the cable. John

The way I've always done it for 5 decades.

 

[zuburg]

I recently replaced both the front and rear e-brake cables on my 56 T-bird. To attach the rear cable to the brake shoe lever on each side, just remove the U-shaped yolk at the middle of the car where the cable goes through to be pulled by the front cable. This creates slack in the cable which will allow you to slide the spring up by hand with no tension on it. Once you attach both sides, just reattach the yolk and adjust.