Brake Spings

[hammersmith]

I am going to renew brake shoes all around, having read the Technical Advice notes about Brake Adjustments, they mention Anti Chatter Springs on the rear brakes. I have never had these springs on the rear brake, and have had no problems. Should I get some of the Anti Chatter Springs when renewing the shoes? They do say on the Technical information, that fitting the long tensioner springs from the back of the shoes lets you get away with the Anti Chatter Springs. Has anybody any info/advice on these Chatter springs.

[bmcecosse]

Very few have these - don't bother - absolutely not required. Remember - if working on the rear brakes - slacken off the handbrake cables - then overhaul the brakes, adjust up on the drums - and only then, tighten the cables up making sure you get even braking on both wheels, and the handle is up where you like it when the brakes are pulled on.

[minor65]

Neither my two minors have them, no need.

[hammersmith]

Many thanks for the info/advice.

[les]

They came from the days when bmc had so much money they made and fitted them to get rid of the surplus, and to annoy some owners who found them hard to fit. They're called beehive springs.

[bmcecosse]

They are certainly necessary on other cars (like my TR7) where the return springs are fitted on the outer surface of the shoes along with a crazy 'auto adjust' mechanism. Perhaps Morris didn't realise back in the day that return springs fitted on the inside - hold the shoes firmly against the backplate, so no need for bee-hives.

[les]

The internal springs tend to make the shoes concave looking face on at them, the beehives counter this effect.

[bmcecosse]

Can't say I've had any experience of that - the shoes are held snuggly against the raised sections of the backplate - my shoes wear even flat across.

[mike.perry]

I have beehive springs - In a Quality Street tin

[bmcecosse]

Not in a 'Hive' then??

[les]

--or a brake drum.