I've taken my hub and rotor off and the emergency brake shoes have a really stiff spring behind the shoes on top plus one infront on top. I finely got it off but how do I get it back on. It is so stiff i can't spread it at all. also my front exle bearing is bad, how do you get the bearing races out then back in. I just came in fron outside and I can't figure this out. Please Help needed! Chet

 

Chet, I've never messed with the parking brake, but have you tried getting it on with a pair of needlenose pliers, or maybe use a standard screwdriver and lever it into place? You got it off, there has to be a way to get it on, just take a deep breath and look at it from a different angle. Good luck!

 

Thanks mongo75, I have tried everything. It is weird, it is on the back side of the shoes on top, then there is a weaker spring on the front on top. You can't get anything behind the shoes to stretch it. I have to try in the mornig again, I have to figure how to remove the bearing races to for new bearing, Chet

 

Thanks mongo75, Its weird. A stong spring behind the shoes and a weaker on in front. You can't get behind the shoes to stretch it

 

I don't have a pic of what you are fighting,but can you put the spring in and spread it with the shoes and put the weaker spring in last
You should be able to use a long drift to knock the bearing races out

 

rbaker6336, I did try that and it didn't work. I guess I will take it apart again tomorrow and try again. Is that the way you put them back in to? Is a long drift a punch? Thanks for your reply's Chet

 

Yes a drift is a punch and thats the way I have done it for decades.I normally use a brass drift to reinstall but a normal one will work.A softer metal will prevent ant chipping

A little tip
While you are getting everything ready put the races in the freezer and take them out just when you are ready to install them.they tap in much easier when cold

 

From the AARC Manual

To Install:
NOTE: Make sure the inboard brake shoe retracting spring is attached to the parking brake shoe.
1. Install the left parking brake shoe and hold-down spring, along with the inboard brake shoe retracting spring.
2. Connect the inboard brake shoe retracting spring to the right parking brake shoe, and install the right shoe and hold-down spring.
Install the brake adjuster screw and spring.
NOTE: The outboard brake shoe retracting spring mounts above the inboard brake shoe retracting spring.
3.
4. Install the outboard brake shoe retracting spring.
5. Connect the parking brake cable at the parking brake lever at the backing plate.
6. Connect the rear parking brake cable at the parking brake intermediate cable.