I was trying to replace the drum brakes on my 2013 Chevy spark today and my spring compression tool was to big. I ended up actually taring the pin springs off with pliers. When I went to replace the pin springs, all of my pliers seemed too big to let the pin slip through the cap. This is actually my first time trying to replace drum brakes so I'm wondering if I'm even using the right tool.




 

Never have I seen anything that looks like that. I have a brake tool that also use to pull the shoe springs with. The retainer you have, I'd suggest use both your thumbs to compress, and rotate it around the pin.

 

I know it's a pain but would you happen to have a picture of it? Thank you for the advice.

 

The tool you have should work. Remember to use a finger behind the backing plate to hold the pin in place so it doesn't move back or sideways..

 

https://www.opentip.com/search.php?c...SABEgK8P_D_BwE

this is what I use

 

I've been doing that but their doesn't seem to be enough space between the spring and the shoe for me to push down enough.

 

Pull the other springs off, then pull the retainer spring. That should give you flexability.