Brakes 1975 Cj5 E-Brake Removal From Backing Plate Tips

[curly]

Hey fellow Jeepers,

I have a 1975 CJ5 that I ended up inheriting, it's in good shape overall from what I can tell: Decent Tub, Decent Frame. But a lot of the parts are fairly old. For example, the tires are from 2008, the hoses are very old, there's very old dirt living all along the under body that was probably not washed after going mudding.

My current project is doing a brake restore, since I noticed brake fluid has been disappearing from the Master Cylinder. I ordered new drums + Shoes, new MC, new hardware, and new e-brake cables. I don't mind sharing the part numbers if someone wants to know what all I got.

So far, it's going good, I have removed the hardware on my RR wheel, and removed the shoes. I started working on removing the e-brake cable, such as removing the cotter pin from the equalizer, then unbolting the very difficult to get to bolt that's located on the gas tank mount. However, I cannot, for the life of me, get the e-brake cable removed from the backing plate. I have tried using a box wrench to wrap around the spring clips, and using vise grips to hold it down as I take pliers on the other side to try to pull it through. No luck. I'd rather not saw it off if I don't have to, and I'm fairly Limited in tools. Also, be forewarned, I'm a very big novice when it comes to mechanics, I've been learning just on various stuff on the jeep, but still don't think I'd say I'm good at anything!

Was wondering if anyone had any tips for removing this E-Brake Cable? And as another question, the under-body is so gunked up that I was hoping to do a little bit of spring cleaning while under the body around the holding brackets and equalizers to clean it up a bit, not sure if anyone had any tips for that as well.

I have attached screenshots of the 'gunk' and the e-brake cable line with my sorry attempt at removing the spring clips.

 

[TSB8C]

As "mexsudo" stated, they make special pliers/tools for springs like this. And there's a special tool specific for drum brake springs. Any auto parts store, Walmart, Amazon, and other places have them. Makes it much easier. That "return" spring should be all the way seated on hat top post. Check that the football shaped washer is all the way down to ensure clearance for the spring end.

 

[CJ]

A 100% vouch for the drum brake tool! . Just the part on the end where you rotate and pop the spring on is worth it.

 

[curly]

I think I got the springs and shoes proper. But the next problem is it seems my drum doesn’t fit. As far as I know it’s all stock on the axle and hub. So not sure why it doesn’t fit. It looks like the spokes are slightly off. Extremely frustrating especially since these are also outside the warranty. Any thoughts? Did I order the wrong part? I’m not a fab expert so may have to get someone to help around town with some new holes if that’s even possible.

 

[mexsudo]

1. is the stud pattern and spacing correct? flip it backwards and check if it will go on
2. the shoes don't look centered in the photos.
3. maybe the adjuster on the bottom is too big (long) ... check the size with the old one

best of luck, you are that || close to success.

 

[mexsudo]

4. Arc the shoes.
Brake shops all had a machine, but you can do it by hand.

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[mexsudo]

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I had one of these

 

[curly]

1. is the stud pattern and spacing correct? flip it backwards and check if it will go on
2. the shoes don't look centered in the photos.
3. maybe the adjuster on the bottom is too big (long) ... check the size with the old one

best of luck, you are that || close to success.

I think you’re right about #2. Looks like the shoes are off centered. I adjusted it and now it’s barely going on but still not lining up. And #1 was a great idea, flipped it over and it’s supposed to fit on there. I’ve taken off the shoes 2-3 times and put them back on but I still can’t seem to get it on there. May take some more effort than I thought.

I’d like to avoid arcing the shoes but we’ll see. Been busy the last week so hopefully Monday or Tuesday I can get some time to try this some more. The shoes seem secure for the most part so not sure how much more I can get them centered or closer.

Appreciate the advice man, definitely helped me out a lot.