HENRY J REAR BRAKE SPRING TOOL

[Terry T]

back to my project--way too many projects in my retirement years
finally got brake return springs in the mail

can't get them installed, because both of my tools do not give clearance enough to brake pad to allow install and because the brake shoes on this '53 are unlike shop manual--if they were, I could use the brake tool on the right end of the spring as shown in shop manual, but must use the free end on the spring which is on the left end--confused--read it again..pics help

soo--suggestions from you experienced HJ mechanics
PS--I got 2 bad shoulders and fingers

[Fid]

I just did mine on the Allstate.  The rear ones are not easy to connect. I hooked the rear one and then just grabbed onto the front part with a side cutter and pulled like he11 to hook it into the other hole.  It's not easy and it's not fun but it works. I've always done it that way.  Here's a picture of my '52 Vagabond rear brake when I did it (using the same method) back in 2012. 

[Terry T]

Ii tried that but my arthritic shoulder/fingers gave out
gonna have to get a friend to help
was hoping there was some other trick

p.s.  did they not build shoes like shown in the shop manual?--that would make life easier

thanks

[Fid]

Last year when I was doing it on Edgar I had a heluva time too.  My back will only do so much - had to walk away for awhile and come back. Second attempt, it went right on. Not fun.

[kfnut]

I hope I get the wording right . Here goes . Put the short end of the spring in the appropriate hole . Using a screwdriver with a round shaft , place the other end of the spring on the screwdriver shaft and put the end of the screwdriver shaft in the other spring hole . Use the driver as a lever to put the spring end in position by letting it slide on the shaft to the mounting hole . It might take a little maneuvering to get it in the hole with needle noise pliers or the like . It might need a little tapping with a tool to pop it in .  This is how I always do it and works for me .