Parking brake spring tool

[Chris Pomares]

What tool do you use to release the spring? I need to realign the part on the backside like this part on the frontside that holds the brake shoes in place. I can't figure a way to get in there without lifting up the top brake shoe. I fixed this issue on a LWB car without pulling the shoes off. Either I forgot what I did or the SWB cars are a little different. I've read some use a valve compression tool. I spent half the day Saturday trying to find a workable tool, no luck.

[911MRP]

Hi Chris I find pliers can work but if there are some neat ate bremsen tools the Porsche factory specified among specialist tools in the Porsche sonderwerkzeug catalogues I have on my shelf. Not strictly required but neat and sometimes can help on some jobs. Here are some of my old brake tools. A number have Pxx numbers that are in various Porsche factory special tool catalogues on my shelf.


Think the one circled is not an ate tool it is a snap-on product. Other variants exist. I can’t recall if I’ve used that particular one in the application you ask about so not sure it is correct size for access. Generally with old 911 being a hobby for me unlike some who earn living frum 911 repair only do very occasional brake job. Last time I probably just used pliers or pointed nose mole grips.



Incidentally for those who like “old tool tat” the Hazet Assistent they’re resting on is one of five I have; this one is unrestored. This particular example is a very early one from fifties when first came out that has some different early design features compared to later assistents. I don’t have a 356 but couldn’t resist it more suitable for someone with the appropriate era 356 as seen in this old photo


Steve

[Chris Pomares]

Thanks. I have one of those but it's too big to fit through the hole or go in on a angle. I've read some use pliers but I don't want to chew that disc up. Hmmm.

[911MRP]

There are various tools listed in the paper ate brake handbook but from quick skim of brake tool section didn’t see anything they had shown for that purpose. Others who earn living doing this regularly might chime in but if concerned some layers of electrical insulting tape over (not too) pointed plier or pointed nose mole vice grip ought to do job for for occasional service unless you are doing the job very regularly. That’s what I have used.

T18 of volume 2 of maroon workshop manual doesn’t appear specify a particular tool for straightforward task — haven’t checked the 72 on maroon supplements



My skim of section T maroon handbook on my shelf reminded me some of the brake tools from ate back in the day. Some are midcentury like this very retro looking pressure tester which also features in the early 911 workshop manual brake section.


Old school KP which are among the measurement units Porsche typically used on those vintage factory books
The brake pedal tool from ate to depress the pedal


Flipping through that just that T section of maroon book to look if there is a tol specified for your question reminds me of bits and bobs I’ve accumulated for what is a little old car hobby — professionals will have lot more tools than a hobbyist like me but maybe my wife has a point when she wonders why I have such old tat

Having said that of you do come across a suitable tool let me know particularly if it is an ate

[Don S]

Chris - I use needle nose vise grips. Push in on the spring and turn the pin. It works for me.

[Chris Pomares]

Here is my DIY tool. I had a 1/4 inch drive tool that the plastic handle had broken off. I dremeled and filed a slot on the handle end and it works really well. I'll have a T handle welded to it and it will work much better than my 13 mm socket.