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When I was replacing a rear brake rotor the parking brake spring came loose and the parking brake shoe is now flopping around inside the drum inside the rotor. This makes it hard to change rotors since the shoe will jam inside the drum when I pull the rotor off. Service Manual shows that the rear hubs should be pulled when replacing the shoes but that is a PIA when all I want to do is replace the rotor. Is there any way to re-install the spring without pulling the rear hub from the car?
No need to remove the hub. Make a tool from a coathanger. Put a small hook on one end to pull the spring down while you slide the shoe in place. Works like a charm.
Hook the bottom and middle of the spring in place (bottom on shoe, middle on backing plate). Hold the top of the shoe away from the backing plate. Insert the tool from the bottom and pull the top of the spring down while swinging the shoe into position. Ease off on the spring and wiggle the tool out. Harder to explain than actually do.