Performing your own car maintenance can save you money. So much so that you can justify doing a few extra activities. Besides changing your own oil, changing brake pads and rotors is another project that is something that a beginning mechanic can learn quickly and with little difficulty. However, you have to have the right tools no matter what the job. Every mechanic has a few basic tools used for brake spring removal.
Spring Bar Shoe Removal Tool
The spring bar shoe removal tool has a hook on one end of a flat, 7-inch bar. This hook allows you to hook the end of the spring and pull it to release the tension on the shoe. You will not be able to see the spring, so you have to feel the spring catch. You then push the tool to the side slightly to remove the spring from the shoe. Trying to remove the spring with your fingers is a tough task that could cause injury, but will most likely cause a great deal of frustration. A spring bar removal tool allows you to remove the shoe in seconds.
Flat Head Screwdriver
A flat head screwdriver can be used to catch the brake spring. The tip of the flat head is slipped between the spring coils and lifted to release tension. You then use pliers to pull the spring out of the hole that attaches the shoe to the spring. This method can cause damage to the spring if you are not careful. Avoid twisting the screwdriver for this reason.
Pliers
Brake spring pliers can also be used for removing brake springs. The pliers have a mouth with tips that pull apart instead of pinching together. You simply hook the tips of the brake pliers into the spring and pull the handles apart. This releases tension where the spring attaches to the shoe so you can remove the spring.
