Drum brakes rely on heavy springs to pull the brake shoes back after you release the pedal. These springs are under high tension and will slip if you try to pull them with standard needle-nose pliers. A brake spring tool features a socket end to remove spring hold-down cups and a hooked end to stretch return springs over their anchor pins. Using this tool prevents the spring from flying off and causing injury or pinching your fingers.
Mechanic Glossary
Brake Spring Tool
A lever-type hand tool used to install and remove the heavy tension springs in drum brake assemblies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Place the slotted socket over the spring retainer washer, push down to compress the spring, and twist it 90 degrees to line up the pin with the slot.
Locking pliers can grip the spring, but they easily slip off when you stretch it. The brake spring tool provides a secure hook that anchors onto the backing plate pin.
They must resist the hydraulic pressure of the wheel cylinder and quickly pull the heavy steel shoes back to their resting position.