Drum brake components list

Jamesval035

TJ Enthusiast
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Cameron, nc
My drum brakes have probably never been changed or worked on, and I procrastinated for the longest time. So here I am, in the process of doing such. It’s not a bad job, and cost me much less than doing the conversion which I contemplated. So, I was working on the driver rear, cleaning and dismembering. I just so happen to run into a really old spring and fork looking piece that sits between the shoes. Well, the spring basically fell apart in my hand.
Question is, is the spring actually needed for it to function properly?

I did a quick search of this part and couldn’t find too many instances of it being available with a shoe and part overhaul.

image.jpg
 
That looks to be the parking brake strut bar and spring. I'm not sure of its exact function, but I'd guess to keep the bar in place. Since those springs are a part in all drum brakes that I'm aware of, I'd say it's needed.
 
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They make drum brake hardware kits that are pretty cheap, it doesn't make sense putting everything back together with missing components. New hardware makes a difference in keeping everything tight. In my case I needed the hold down pins as the ends had completely worn out.
 
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Ya did some more googling, it’s the parking brake strut spring. The Amazon link seems to not come with the spring like stated. Crown part number is 4313079 but a couple of reviews on Quadratec has it not fitting.

@hosejockey61, thanks fort the video, I finished the passenger side. It wasn’t all that difficult to do but could have used an extra set of hands.
@97’ 4 Popper, I agree. I thought about reassembling but remembered my neighbor is doing the disc conversion and will probably have the spring, so it’ll sit for a week til he gets back in town. Many of the hardware kits do not look like they come with the strut bar and spring.

I wonder if a generic spring would work as long as it fits and hold onto the strut bar? 🤔
 
It wasn’t all that difficult to do but could have used an extra set of hands.

Are you using screwdrivers and pliers or actual drum brake tools? I learned to do it and did it the hard way with screwdrivers and pliers for too many years. Then I was shown the magic of using the right tool. Now I hate working on drums slightly less.
1671633866649.png

Many of the hardware kits do not look like they come with the strut bar and spring.

I honestly can't remember ever changing those springs. Have you tried calling one of the local parts stores? If your neighbor doesn't come through for you, NAPA has a kit showing those springs. https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/UP_2297?impressionRank=1
1671634510076.png
 
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Question is, is the spring actually needed for it to function properly?


View attachment 385766

The manufacturers designed, engineered, manufactured, tested & installed it so it’s probably not needed!
All kidding aside yes it’s needed your crossbar is pretty worn also. You could clean up the worn edges with a file. Purchase the rear hardware kit that should have everything needed to get you back in business. Pat attention to the adjusters they are side specific and should be marked.
 
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Are you using screwdrivers and pliers or actual drum brake tools? I learned to do it and did it the hard way with screwdrivers and pliers for too many years. Then I was shown the magic of using the right tool. Now I hate working on drums slightly less.
View attachment 385843


I honestly can't remember ever changing those springs. Have you tried calling one of the local parts stores? If your neighbor doesn't come through for you, NAPA has a kit showing those springs. https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/UP_2297?impressionRank=1
View attachment 385844

Here are a couple other brake tools to make life easier.
https://www.harborfreight.com/drum-...ADUuMFX5676TB6t8xClcwhAIv2dQD2IIaAlvREALw_wcB
 
Are you using screwdrivers and pliers or actual drum brake tools? I learned to do it and did it the hard way with screwdrivers and pliers for too many years. Then I was shown the magic of using the right tool. Now I hate working on drums slightly less.
View attachment 385843


I honestly can't remember ever changing those springs. Have you tried calling one of the local parts stores? If your neighbor doesn't come through for you, NAPA has a kit showing those springs. https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/UP_2297?impressionRank=1
View attachment 385844

I used a screw driver and needle nose for one side until my father in law came through with those tools to make it a breeze to remove the springs
 
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I used a screw driver and needle nose for one side until my father in law came through with those tools to make it a breeze to remove the springs

Screwdriver is dangerous to use on those springs. I do have one with a v notch in the tip for certain brakes where the tool won’t fit.
 
The manufacturers designed, engineered, manufactured, tested & installed it so it’s probably not needed!
All kidding aside yes it’s needed your crossbar is pretty worn also. You could clean up the worn edges with a file. Purchase the rear hardware kit that should have everything needed to get you back in business. Pat attention to the adjusters they are side specific and should be marked.

Thanks I needed that. Lol, get me back in check instead of billy bob rigging it back up. Im headed into town, advanced auto has the brake replacement bundle. Just going to replace everything rather than just the shoes
 
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Thanks I needed that. Lol, get me back in check instead of billy bob rigging it back up. Im headed into town, advanced auto has the brake replacement bundle. Just going to replace everything rather than just the shoes

They might have a new bar also. It may be called an equalizer bar.
 
Thanks I needed that. Lol, get me back in check instead of billy bob rigging it back up. Im headed into town, advanced auto has the brake replacement bundle. Just going to replace everything rather than just the shoes

Buy the brake tools while your there ! You will thank us.
 
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Brake hardware kit is around $5 on Rockauto… as long as I was doing it, I replaced it all including the brake cylinders…
 
I replaced it all including the brake cylinders…

I used to agree with this, but with the lack of quality options today, I don't replace calipers or cylinders unless I have an issue. I also flush my lines/fluid every time I service the brakes.
 
Got her all done and buttoned up this afternoon after buying a kit at advanced. Drum brakes work again. Those tools I got from my in law worked like a charm. Definitely not giving them back to him, lol. Atleast until he asks for them…