16 replies to this topic

[gsms]

Hi all,

I replaced the offside (right-hand) rear drum brake cylinder, but the little round clip/washer thing, meant to hold the cylinder to the backing plate, will not go back on. I've been trying to force it on for a while, but with no luck.

Does anyone know how I can get it back on? Any tools or tips needed?

Any help appreciated.

Cheers. Guy.

[minimanclive]

There is a "wheel cylinder circlip tool" available. I think Mini Spares do it. Every time I change a wheel cylinder I struggle with that circlip and promise i'll buy myself the tool. Still haven't bought it yet

[gsms]

Ah someone mentioned a tool, but I need to refit the circlip tonight if possible! (also I can't get to halfords with the mini in several pieces!)

Is there an "improvised" method of doing it? A series of screwdrivers, pliers, and swearing for example..? I hear it needs a LOT of patience...?

Cheers. Guy.

[Jammy]

The way I did it was to find a flat headed screwdriver, one that will fit in the notch in the wheel cylinder, and lever one side in, then do the same on the other side, can always use a little bit of gentle persuasion with a hammer. Be careful though, I've broke a couple before!

[Purple Tom]

if you've got water pump pliers that go big enough they work very well. Just be careful of slipping and damaging yourself or the brake pipe.

[Sprocket]

A little patience and swearing usualy does the trick.

Make sure you put the clip back on the right way up, so that when it sits in its groove, the open ends are touching the back plate rather than curling away from it.

And yes I too have been meaning the get the tool for the job :nugget:

[mambaman]

just out of interest, if i were able to make this said tool for half the price of minispares (including delivery to the uk) would anyone be interested. I had to make one formyself a while back so know my design (similar to minispares cept not a ripoff price wise) works without problem.

[gsms]

Cheers for all the replies guys!

.....I guess it's "hammertime" now then!

I'm just glad that I can do this job without taking the brakes apart again!

Cheers. Guy.

[gsms]

Make sure you put the clip back on the right way up, so that when it sits in its groove, the open ends are touching the back plate rather than curling away from it.

I was trying to put it in the other way round, so it's a good thing you mentioned that!

Cheers. Guy.

[Guess-Works.com]

you mean one of these babies...



or just smack the ****er with a socket... oopss sorry Bodgit and run technique

pa. it's an E clip

[Guess-Works.com]

just out of interest, if i were able to make this said tool for half the price of minispares (including delivery to the uk) would anyone be interested. I had to make one formyself a while back so know my design (similar to minispares cept not a ripoff price wise) works without problem.

and if you can do one for a fiver, I'll be interested...

[gsms]

Ah, is that the tool we're all on about..?

I think I'll just have to whack it with a "Big Fudging Hammer" as I can't wait that long for the tool to be ordered.

Guy.

[mambaman]

if i get enough interest, i.e more than 10 i'll make a set and sell them for £5 including postage to the uk.

[sirmarky]

I have had fun with those clips in the past , now be carfull not to break the clips as they do really easy.... my way around the problem was to slightly snip the inner tabs down , in effect making the opening wider to slide into the groove...
Be carfull not to snip too much off though as it needs these to keep the clip secure !


mark

[gsms]

I got mine on there in the end! Just popped round the local garage and they had the tool!