Rear park brake

[Douglas B.]

I need to replace the return springs on my C3 park brake shoes. Do you have to remove the axle shaft to do this? It seems like the only way I can see to do it. If I need to remove the axle from the trailing arm, does it have to be pressed out.

[George D.]

Re: Rear park brake

They can be replace without removing the axle shafts. If you have the service manual it gives good instructions on removing and replacing the brake shoes and springs. I

George

[Douglas B.]

Re: Rear park brake

Thanks for the reply! I don't have my manual yet, but it's on the way.

[Philip C.]

Re: Rear park brake Remove the rotors

Doug 65 to 82 same ball game, you have to remove the rotors from the hubs by drilling out the rivets to get to the parking brakes, you can replace the rivets if you want to, either way its a good idea to mark the rotors and hubs, so they go back on the hubs in the same position. Phil 8063 PS you could take out the spindles and not drill out the rivets, BUT thats a lot lot more work for nothing.

[Douglas B.]

Re: Rear park brake Remove the rotors

I was able to get the park shoes off, but am unable to re-assemble with the axle in place. Is there a trick to removing the axle? When the half shaft was unbolted I noticed the bearings sound dry so I thought I might as well remove the axle and do it all while I am in there.

[John H.]

Re: Rear park brake Remove the rotors

Doug -

Yes, there are LOTS of "tricks" to getting the spindle out (and back in, properly re-bearinged and end-play adjusted, all of which require special tools, a press, precision measuring instruments, and some experience. If you haven't been in there before and don't have the special tools, send the trailing arms out to a place like Bair's that do them every day.

[Philip C.]

Re: Rear park brake Doug

Hi Doug I dont know how mechanicly inclined your are or how much experience you have. The brake shoes are a little trickie to get back in, but with a little patience working thru the holes in hub it can be done. The point you made about the wheel bearings, yea it the right time, I best advice would be to remove the arms and send them out (van steel) and have them done. There are special tools needed to set the runout on the bearings. E-mail me Ill give you my # its faster over the phone. Phil 8063