Trying to rebuild back brakes.

Have all the new parts.

I think that (correct me if i am wrong) that the first step is to install the brake cylinders on so that the brake drums will slot into position.

Have looked at fitting the e-clip (if that is what it is called) that came with the cylinder and this is meant to hold the cylinder on to the back plate but couldn't work out how to do it.

Is there a special tool for this job or technique ? I didn't want to damage it by using a screwdriver and hammer..... a technique which did cross my mind....

Thanks

http://www.minisport.com.au/prod729.htm

This gadget makes it easy(er). Not impossible to install the clip without it, but pretty frustrating.

I think I use a BF screwdriver, BF hammer and a lot of profanities

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1967 Cooper S - new front bearings to do.
1965 Cooper S shell - Slow progress. No time or money!
1966 Deluxe- next rustoration!
Mk 2 & XJ6 Jags. Less said the better.

I've got one of those, but I often find a deft touch with a screwdriver can get the e-clip on without much drama at all.. I find I use the tool maybe half the time

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Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges

I've never had trouble but they do take a little knack. Try a small screwdriver.

I use a circlip pliers to get one side wedged in, then a hammer and screwdriver til the other side pops in.
And lots of profanities. Aim to use them to beat it into obedience.

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Simplify and add lightness

Thanks for the tips so far guys. Will give it another go.

Just remember , if you're feeling stressed and agro it will be a lot harder than if you go and take a 10-15 minute break , have a cold drink and surf the web . I find these things are a lot easier after a cool down break

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50bucks for a thing you can do with a screwdriver and a bit of a tap with a hammer? cmon!

Sometimes (not necessarily in this case) it pays to use the right tools for the job.

Last year I spent $4,500 on dental treatment to replace two front teeth due to an accident from cutting square aluminium tubing with a hand held circular saw, instead of spending a few hundred bucks on a proper drop saw. Six stitches in the upper lip to boot. And yes I was wearing a protective visor but the metal went straight through it.

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1967 Cooper S - new front bearings to do.
1965 Cooper S shell - Slow progress. No time or money!
1966 Deluxe- next rustoration!
Mk 2 & XJ6 Jags. Less said the better.

I know I'm draging a really old thread out, but thought its better than explaining what i'm talking about again.

Anyway, here's my question, got new cylinders and went to put em on, but as some guys mentioned I found it to be a biatch to put the clip on.

Do you guys do this with hub still on car? or is it a must take off job?

BTW, I was very surprised to see the special tool was $50 here, but only £9-10 in the UK!!

You can leave the hub on mate. Just gotta take the drum + shoes off.
I used 2 screwdrivers + someone pushing the cylinder into place from the other side so you have max clearance. Just lever the little bastard into its home.

You can't fathom the frustration involved until you actually try, all fun and games in the end though!

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1975 Clubman
1152cc, 40dcoe weber, RE83 cam, GRed head.

Thanks for the reply,

I'll give it another go, hopefully tonight, doesnt seem a very smart design though, why make something so freaken hard, a couple of bolts/screws would have done the job

1 screwdriver and a few choice words does it.

I made a proper tool (copy) up but never used it, because if changing the cylinder in situ the damn steel brake pipe is in the way. I don't like bending them about.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

i used such a tool, it can open up the clip enough to fit

i once bought the "correct" tool but the cone was way to soft, the e clip damaged the surface, got stuck and damaged. even afer making a new cone with case hardening it was a pain to use

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Rover 214 atm ....

hmm that tool looks ideal, will try the screw driver first, still havent had a chance to get to it..