Return Spring removal. PITA!!!

[TundraD00]

I am replacing my drum brakes in the rear on a 00 Tundra and I cannot get them off, due to the return spring. The tension on that spring is extreme. Anybody hear recommend a tool that can help get them off? The rear brake drum removal guide just used a set of pliers, but after 15 minutes of grunting and cussing, the spring just stayed where it was.

I thought about buying some return spring pliers, but I hear they do not work that well. I noticed on other forums some people used 10" lineman's pliers.

What did you use to get these god forsaken things off?

[SE2000]

I've done hundreds of drum brakes over the years and only tried one of those special tools once. I have a good grip so I use water pump pliers and give it a quick jerk. I have suggested to people to use vise grips if they cannot squeeze and jerk at the same time.
Same procedure to reinstall.
For health reason, use a mask and disc brake cleaner to get rid of the dust. I used compressed air for years not knowing, glad i can still breathe

[lelandstanford]

I've tried brake spring pliers but the opposing-force tip usually landed on the shoe surface.

A 8" vise grip works better. I use my knee doing the pushing.

[MEvang]

Did you check this out? Tundra Rear Brake Tutorial
He uses a large vice grip to remove the spring. But there is another way. You can remove the hold downs then spread the shoes at the bottom pulling them out of their seats using a large pliers.
Remove the lower spring, then pull the shoes off the wheel cylinder and slide the adjuster and spring out from behind the hub. You can now remove the large spring by simply pulling the shoes apart and letting the adjuster drop out.
Mike

[TundraD00]

I just bought a pair of 8" lineman's vice grips. I'm going to try them as soon as the weather stops going over 100 degrees. Will post results.

Thanks for all the great suggestions

[Rrumbler]

I know you're probably done by now, but here's a nickle's worth anyhow. Mevang has the right of it, of course. On standard "American" Bendix brakes, I used to remove the shoes from the backing plate and take as much hardware off as I could, then just "scissor" the shoes together at the bottom to drop the adjuster out, and the spring will come right off. After looking at a pic, or two, here's another idea: grab the rear end of the return spring with a pair of vice grips right close to the first coil; put something "protective" on the edge of the axle flange, and use a pry bar of some sort between the flange edge and the handle of the vise grips to push the spring far enough to get it unhooked from the rear shoe. I have tried almost every trick to disassemble brake shoes, but the one that works best is the one that works for you.

[SE2000]

There really isn't anything i'd consider safe to pry against. The proper tool if you don't have the strenth to pull it off is all I would recommend. i've done without the tool since i was 8 so technique may be all you need.
And now with 4 people suggesting vise grips, I'm sure the job is already done