Rear brakeshoes 1967 230SL

[Bobo]

Hi has anybody replaced the rear brakeshoes on a 230SL without the special tool for compressing the preasure spring behind the two shoes? If so how on earth did you manage it?
I am struggling.

[JimVillers]

Bob .... All auto parts stores have a brake spring tool that works well, cost about $15.

[jameshoward]

Hi has anybody replaced the rear brakeshoes on a 230SL without the special tool for compressing the preasure spring behind the two shoes? If so how on earth did you manage it?
I am struggling.

Yes. It's do-able, just fiddly. The best thing not to do is put the things on the wrong way around, that way you only have to do it once. I didn't use a special tool, but recall it was a bit of a pain. Can't remember how I did it, as I didn't have a plan or any prior knowledge of the brake except what's on the site.

JH

[230slhouston]

I did my brakes without buying  a special tool, I made up one. I took a sturdy angle iron used an angle grinder to cut a notch on one end, wrapped a rag as a handle and installed the springs. The angle iron was small enough not to foul anywhere. Took me half an hour of trying and two minutes with my tool.

Cheers

[xcashewx]

i used a pair of vice grips in one hand with the socket in the other hand, pushing in while turning the screw. bit tiring but got the job done