andrew.bell.ia@gmail.com wrote:
> On Jun 7, 10:21 pm, jim beam <spamvor...@bad.example.net> wrote:
>> what vehicle make, model, age, etc?
>
> 95 Accord Wagon
>
>> if you're talking honda, you don't need spring pliers. in fact, trying
>> to use them can damage the springs.
>
> Can someone describe how to safely get the pads on and off safely/
> easily?

release the side springs - the u-shaped ones. then slide the shoes down
until you can release the small lower spring, by hand. when that's
free, open the shoes carefully a little and puzzle the shoes plus
bracing bar plus spring past the cylinder and hub. open the shoes fully
so the retainer falls apart. once the adjuster is fully screwed back
in, reassembly should be easy enough without tools. slacken the hand
brake cable too.

>
>> what you need is proper training in a "safe" environment. suggest you
>> sign up for evening class at your local community college - they'll
>> teach you all this stuff and you won't make potentially dangerous
>> mistakes with your own car.
>
> You're probably right. But I'd sure like to have a good book or
> something that shows what to do. I've got the Honda service manual,
> but isn't particularly descriptive.
>
that book is as good as it gets. get someone [experienced, not shade
tree with bad habits] to show you what to do if the book's not making sense.