Patent ID: 7032280

Claim:
A method for effecting removal and replacement of a generally U-shaped drum brake spring having first and second spaced each leg in biasing engagement with a brake drum shoe mounted on a brake backing plate, said backing plate having a peripheral edge, a center axis, a hub mounted thereon generally concentric with the center axis, said method comprising the steps of: providing a spring retraction tool set, said set comprised of first and second spring retractors, each retractor comprising a bracket including a first leg generally for placement parallel to the axis and for engaging the brake backing plate, and a second leg generally transverse to the axis for engaging the hub, a retractable hook member mounted on the second leg for engaging a leg of the spring; positioning the first leg of each retractor against the backing plate and the second leg against the hub, while aligning the hook member of the first and second retractors respectively with the first and second spring legs for movement thereof in response to actuation of the respective hook members; retracting the hook members to thereby disengage the spring from the drum brake shoes; selectively repairing the disconnected drum brake shoes; and subsequently extending the hook members to reverse retraction of the spring and engage the spring with the shoes.