drum brakes

["Phil Patterson" <hilljack7@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Brake springs are usually a pretty standard item, have you tried Napa parts?

Also, as long as the old ones aren't obvious corroded, stretched or broke, they may be ok.

An old greasemonkey trick I was told long ago to check brake springs was to drop them on a hard surface and listen. A good spring will land with a dull thud, while a bad one will "ring" or sound like a screen door spring. It's hard to describe but once you hear it , its unmistakeable.

Other than corrosion or wear breaking the coils or attachement hooks, heat is what wears out brake springs, causing them to lose tension and make that sound when dropped.

I don't blame you for wanting fresh ones on your car, but its probably not needed.

If they pass visible inspection and the "drop test", I'd go ahead and use them.

Phil <><

----- Original Message -----

From: Dave & Tracy

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Monday, November 24, 2003 8:04 AM

Subject: IML: drum brakes

well after tinkering with the brakes on my 60 , I have at last got the car to stop really good. Fortunately the drums were in v.g condition. However are the springs that go around them available from any suppliers ? To Finnish this small " job " I wish to shot blast the drums  & give them a coat of that steel grey manifold paint. so the new springs come to mind. the old ones are not to clever but the brakes are not squealing. Any help appreciated.

Thanks

Dave.