Rear break shoe renewal?

Sie! · 07-08-12, 08:30 PM

Evening all,

I have a new set of brake shoes and a kit of springs etc. for my rear brakes (1985 Audi 80), and have a few spare hours Friday, how easy a job are they to replace?

The Haynes seems to give the impression it's relatively easy, but it does say a vice is needed, which I don't have, is it difficult without?

Also, I've always wondered how tight I need to have the final nut on the stub axle when I re-fit the drums, any advice on this?

I've changed the discs and pads on the front, so hopefully my simple mechanical mind will be able to cope... But you never know!

Cheers in advance for any info!

Sie!

John. · 07-08-12, 09:11 PM

I'm not sure exactly what the set up is like on a 1985 80 but I would reckon it'll be similar to a mk1 Golf....if it is then I'm sure you'll take it in your stride, can't think why you'd need a vice?
As for the nut, if it has a twin taper roller bearing set up then the nut only needs to be tight enough to allow for a very small amount of free-play in the hub.
I'm sure someone who knows for sure will confirm(or not) the above.

John.

yeti · 08-08-12, 06:31 AM

When you've got the drum off, give it a blast out with a can of brake cleaner and take a picture on your phone to remind you where all the springs go when it's time to put them back

If you haven't got one, invest in a brake spring hook, they're under a fiver on ebay and money very, very well spent. The cheap ones are fine, Sealey ones are a few quid more, but it's worthwhile because they have a bend in just the right place and a sharper hook.

keithyboy · 09-08-12, 08:45 AM

If you're too tight to invest in a spring hook (like me), you can use a loop of strong bootlace to pull the springs into place.

It's a job I've done lots of times and I've never used a vice once.

Taking a picture beforehand is very good advice. It'll be fine though, it's more fiddly than difficult.

08-08-12, 06:31 AM	#3
yeti Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Derby Posts: 1,166	When you've got the drum off, give it a blast out with a can of brake cleaner and take a picture on your phone to remind you where all the springs go when it's time to put them back If you haven't got one, invest in a brake spring hook, they're under a fiver on ebay and money very, very well spent. The cheap ones are fine, Sealey ones are a few quid more, but it's worthwhile because they have a bend in just the right place and a sharper hook. __________________ 1990 Coupe Quattro (WTF did I buy that for?) Half a 1983 Coupe FI (long term parts shelf) 2003 Cors-arrrgh More Polos that you'd ever believe No time, no money, all the wrong tools and a workshop that's too far away

07-08-12, 09:11 PM	#2
John. 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Scottish Borders. Posts: 7,539	I'm not sure exactly what the set up is like on a 1985 80 but I would reckon it'll be similar to a mk1 Golf....if it is then I'm sure you'll take it in your stride, can't think why you'd need a vice? As for the nut, if it has a twin taper roller bearing set up then the nut only needs to be tight enough to allow for a very small amount of free-play in the hub. I'm sure someone who knows for sure will confirm(or not) the above. John.

09-08-12, 08:45 AM	#4
keithyboy Grown up member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 66	If you're too tight to invest in a spring hook (like me), you can use a loop of strong bootlace to pull the springs into place. It's a job I've done lots of times and I've never used a vice once. Taking a picture beforehand is very good advice. It'll be fine though, it's more fiddly than difficult.