Great video! I almost dug into this job without that tool.. the Lisle tool and your video made it a breeze. I purchased the tool from Carquest/Advance auto parts like you mentioned, thanks
Glad everything worked out for you that job is a pain in the butt without that tool I don't care what anybody says it's a great investment thanks for watching
Just spent 4 hours working that single spring system on a 2003 last night. Will look for the tool today! A few choice words for the “genius” that thought that system up, but TH-cam wouldn’t like them.
Yeah that spring system has a lot to be desired for sure of course then again there isn't a whole lot of design features on any vehicle these days that makes a whole lot of sense but that tool sure does make a difference
Thank you for making this video. We recently had that single spring snap in half while driving on a Sat. afternoon when all the garages etc. were closed and 50 miles from home. We heard a loud screeching & grinding sound and then rattling in our tire until we got home. We drove 30 miles an hour to get there safely. We parked the car and I began looking for videos so that I could diagnose/get some sleep before taking it in. I knew of all the parts in the drum except the single spring. Your video helped identify all the parts and sure enough that breaking in half was our issue/no clue why it happened as we maintain our car and everything was in good order when inspected. . Easy fix, cost 90.00 in labor and 10.00 for a bag of parts for drum brakes. 🚗
My exact car, I gotta do this ,this weekend so thanks a ton! My wife drives it as well and I'm always saying easy on 5he breaks! I'm scared what they ate gonna look like!
Unfortunately I did dig into this job without the tool and now up a creek without a pattle. But at least you showed what was needed cause I have never seen anything like it before
It's kind of a strange looking tool and honestly I didn't really think it would work at first but it did the job and without it we would have been in trouble
Wish I thought of looking here first. Last night I went to tackle the rear brakes on my daughters '03 Ion and significantly increased my Sailor vocabulary (and I'll probably lose my left thumbnail) when that stupid spring bit me. Just bought the tool from Amazon. Thanks for the info and great video.
Thanks man that was one hell of a compliment. We have expanded our sailor vocabulary also...lol I told my friend his wife's car is a good car but some of the engineering sucks....lol That tool makes it very easy. I volunteered to help him because my wife's Saturn Vue has the same brakes on it.
Well thanks for finding the video we certainly do appreciate it in my opinion that tool is definitely necessary to do this job the correct way there are people who have said they don't need it but it sure did make the job a whole lot easier we would have ordered the tool from Amazon as well but we needed it right then and there because my buddies wife needed her car back to go to work within an hour of us finishing the breaks on that car. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the video. I just pulled a rear drum off my '03 Ion (with much coaxing using penetrating oil, a hammer and a propane torch) only to find that weird spring. I had no idea how to deal with it. Glad I found your video. Should make for a much calmer job!
Thanks man I appreciate it that tool makes life a whole lot easier when you're doing this job I've heard people say you don't need it and all you need is a screwdriver or pry bar and a hammer trust me I tried everything and the only thing that made this brake job quick and easy was that tool
First - Thanks for this video! Knowledge of where the emergency brake cable tension bolt was helpful. Tool was NOT ... I had more success with just pliers and help holding shoes in place while replacing spring. The tool does stretch the spring out in organized fashion, but then it is in the way when trying to put shoes in and - most of all as your video shows - working with that freaking emergency brake capture on the new shoe. Our 2006 Saturn Ion was built with 2005 shoe/brake assembly (same barrel-shaped anchor as in your video) ... the newer shoes come with emer brake spring attached, and the anchor at end of cable is a more top-shaped design. I used this video and a combo of chevy truck rear shoe replace videos to help work me through it ... first time on drum brakes and it took me several hours. Like you .. I had no idea how I finally got that sucker locked in the right position ... a lot of cursing was involved. Thanks for your time and help with this project!
+Jeff Wayne We struggled for six hours trying to put the breaks back together before we got that tool glad the video helped out even just a little bit. Thanks for watching
No disrespect intended. I just did these same brakes on Saturn Ion. I have never atrempted drum brakes before. I used basic hand tools and never had any special tools. I think it was unnecessary to buy it. Very easy set-up and prefer this over the original drum set-up.
Buying the right tool can make a big difference. Even the old style drums it was a lot easier if you had the right tools. Thank you for the video, James
Thank God for this video. I went through the same trouble trying to change my 2004 Ion rear brakes. After seeing this I went to Carquest and bought the only Single Spring break tool they had. :) The $40 is more than worth it.
Thanks for this! Was planning on replacing my rear brakes this weekend on my ion! Would've gone in without the tool and would've spent way more time than I need to replacing them!
Thanks man I appreciate it that tool is very important if you don't have that tool you won't get much done I've read comments in this comment section about all you need is pliers and a screwdriver trust me we tried that it doesn't work
Actually you guys made that looks easy.. Ive never seen that setup before.. my mustang had drum brakes at one time and they was a bitch to change.. I did the disc brake swap.. so much Easier to put pads on instead of shoes.. stops better too.. Nice How too..it'll probably help some folks out..
I found this video just before I was about to do the rear brakes on my wife's 2005 Saturn Ion. Glad I stumbled on it. I ordered the tool on Amazon and will dig into the job next weekend! The current price on Amazon is $25.92, it actually dropped in price from $30 to $25 during the time I was looking for local auto parts stores that may carry it. Not sure what that price drop was about but...I'll take it (Lisle 50600 Spring Brake Tool for GM).
+bikertom98 That's great man glad we could help. We found our very fast that without this tool doing the rear breaks was not going to happen. We tore out the old breaks before we had the tool and tried everything we could to put it back together. We definitely learned the hard way glad you didn't have too...
Why is your hand brake spring so loose and easily pushed back. Took me almost 2 hours to try and get that spring back. Took 2 strong people and 2 sets of vise grips. My arms feel like rubber and tomorrow I have to do the passenger side! Ugh. What am I doing ao wrong😢
Hey Thanks for the video. Bought the tool and changed them in an hour. If you had not made the video it would taken a lot longer, and many more curse words. Thanks again!
+Christopher Robertson You're welcome man we knew this would be good useful information. That tool is a good investment because it will work for any Saturn model. We fought with one side for an entire day before we went to get it...
Now I know why I had so much trouble with my L-100. The rounded shoe bottoms is particularly difficult to locate and the purchase is not great either. That is the L-100, much the same. And mine did not have slots in the pistons either. It does not inspire confidence.
I've been farting around with mine all week and I can't get my single spring to rest properly in that hook at the bottom... my car still sits on blocks in my driveway to this day. Anyone have any pointers?
Yeah my buddy came over for help on his im not a Saturn guy,i have no issues with Ford omg what a piece of shit Saturn is took a full day.Wish i knew about that tool.That spring is ridiculous.19:20 that took us most of the day ridiculous.
Yeah it was a pain in the ass trying to put the breaks back together without that tool. I have had people tell me the tool is not nessissary and to do the brakes without it and they tell me how easy it is but I don't think they know what they are talking about
I just managed it with dual wielded vice grips cuz I ain't got no money... it wasnt too bad. Now I can't get the drums to fit on it cuz I dunno what I'm doing
Well I don't know about genius but I do know that if you're going to change the brakes on a Saturn Ion or Saturn Vue you probably better have this tool because it's a pain in the ass to do without it it's damn near impossible anyone that says they can do it without that tool I say prove it show me the video showing me that you can do it without that tool on a Saturn Ion or Vue.... thanks for watching we appreciate you
Hey i just did the exact same on my 2006 ion and adjusted everything right but my ebrake doesnt seem to want to work now. I can put it in drive or reverse and have the ebrake lever up and the car will still move.
Great video. However, if you have two strong guys working together you can do this without the tool. A help was to us channel locks with one guy pulling on it and the other placing the shoe with the e-brake end on simultaneously. Another hack that worked was to have the horse shoe red giant red spring in place on one shoe with it seated on the metal hump underneath the housing for the parking brake spring/cable. Pull the e-brake to get it situated, and then hold it into place while another person gets a wire about the gauge of a clothes hanger, looping it around the end of the horseshoe shaped spring, while using a lot of force to get the other side of the red horseshoe shaped spring into place. This is not the safest way. Eye protection should be used as the upward pulling motion may take out an eye if you are not careful. Could not get the tool, so I had to rely on sheer muscle power of two people. If the tops of the shoes are not centered on the wheel cylinder located at the 12 o'clock position you can lightly hammer the metal parts of the shoes at the very top until it is aligned. Hopefully I never have to do this again, the tool probably makes it so much easier. Did it on memorial weekend when many shops were closing early on Saturday. Advanced auto had the part, but could not make it in time. Grateful, my neighbor is a buff 26 year old that is mechanically inclined and can improvise tools when needed. I understand how the puzzle fits together, and directed him. So you should take a photo or have a good memory about how the pieces fit and interact with one another. I had a Chilton manual so I had a fall back, and it did not mention the tool above, so I knew it could be done without the tool, just more difficult.
Obviously you don't know what you're talkin about there was nothing fake about any part of this video. Just because you weren't shown every single thing we did does it mean any part of it was fake you're a moron You say it wasn't worth watching but guess what you watched it so thanks for your watch time
Great video! I almost dug into this job without that tool.. the Lisle tool and your video made it a breeze. I purchased the tool from Carquest/Advance auto parts like you mentioned, thanks
Glad everything worked out for you that job is a pain in the butt without that tool I don't care what anybody says it's a great investment thanks for watching
Just spent 4 hours working that single spring system on a 2003 last night. Will look for the tool today!
A few choice words for the “genius” that thought that system up, but TH-cam wouldn’t like them.
Yeah that spring system has a lot to be desired for sure of course then again there isn't a whole lot of design features on any vehicle these days that makes a whole lot of sense but that tool sure does make a difference
Thank you so much for showing this video. ❤
You're welcome
Thank you for making this video. We recently had that single spring snap in half while driving on a Sat. afternoon when all the garages etc. were closed and 50 miles from home. We heard a loud screeching & grinding sound and then rattling in our tire until we got home. We drove 30 miles an hour to get there safely. We parked the car and I began looking for videos so that I could diagnose/get some sleep before taking it in. I knew of all the parts in the drum except the single spring. Your video helped identify all the parts and sure enough that breaking in half was our issue/no clue why it happened as we maintain our car and everything was in good order when inspected. . Easy fix, cost 90.00 in labor and 10.00 for a bag of parts for drum brakes. 🚗
You're welcome glad we could help
My exact car, I gotta do this ,this weekend so thanks a ton! My wife drives it as well and I'm always saying easy on 5he breaks! I'm scared what they ate gonna look like!
They're not terrible once you get used to doing them
@@outdoorsmansgarage well my wife just totaled it yesterday so oh well. I just put $600 into it, breaks tires rotors and wipers lol it's toast fml!
Well shit that sucks man
Great job guys Thank you!
Thanks man glad we could help
@@outdoorsmansgarage I appreciated your kind tip at the end of where to find the Right tool thxs again ,and have a wonderful life !
By God your video save me lots of time I almost would have spent 4 hours doing this if I didn't watch your video
Unfortunately I did dig into this job without the tool and now up a creek without a pattle. But at least you showed what was needed cause I have never seen anything like it before
It's kind of a strange looking tool and honestly I didn't really think it would work at first but it did the job and without it we would have been in trouble
Wish I thought of looking here first. Last night I went to tackle the rear brakes on my daughters '03 Ion and significantly increased my Sailor vocabulary (and I'll probably lose my left thumbnail) when that stupid spring bit me. Just bought the tool from Amazon. Thanks for the info and great video.
Thanks man that was one hell of a compliment. We have expanded our sailor vocabulary also...lol I told my friend his wife's car is a good car but some of the engineering sucks....lol That tool makes it very easy. I volunteered to help him because my wife's Saturn Vue has the same brakes on it.
Awesome vid u saved my ass by showing us about the tool thnks a million
That's awesome glad I could help out thanks for watching
Found this video after struggling with the spring for a couple of hours.
Ordered the tool from Amazon for about 20 bucks.
Well thanks for finding the video we certainly do appreciate it in my opinion that tool is definitely necessary to do this job the correct way there are people who have said they don't need it but it sure did make the job a whole lot easier we would have ordered the tool from Amazon as well but we needed it right then and there because my buddies wife needed her car back to go to work within an hour of us finishing the breaks on that car. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the video. I just pulled a rear drum off my '03 Ion (with much coaxing using penetrating oil, a hammer and a propane torch) only to find that weird spring. I had no idea how to deal with it. Glad I found your video. Should make for a much calmer job!
Thanks man I appreciate it that tool makes life a whole lot easier when you're doing this job I've heard people say you don't need it and all you need is a screwdriver or pry bar and a hammer trust me I tried everything and the only thing that made this brake job quick and easy was that tool
First - Thanks for this video! Knowledge of where the emergency brake cable tension bolt was helpful. Tool was NOT ... I had more success with just pliers and help holding shoes in place while replacing spring. The tool does stretch the spring out in organized fashion, but then it is in the way when trying to put shoes in and - most of all as your video shows - working with that freaking emergency brake capture on the new shoe. Our 2006 Saturn Ion was built with 2005 shoe/brake assembly (same barrel-shaped anchor as in your video) ... the newer shoes come with emer brake spring attached, and the anchor at end of cable is a more top-shaped design. I used this video and a combo of chevy truck rear shoe replace videos to help work me through it ... first time on drum brakes and it took me several hours. Like you .. I had no idea how I finally got that sucker locked in the right position ... a lot of cursing was involved. Thanks for your time and help with this project!
+Jeff Wayne We struggled for six hours trying to put the breaks back together before we got that tool glad the video helped out even just a little bit. Thanks for watching
Thanks for the video, guess I'm going have to get this tool.
The tool definitely makes a break job easier its definitely worth the money
No disrespect intended. I just did these same brakes on Saturn Ion. I have never atrempted drum brakes before. I used basic hand tools and never had any special tools.
I think it was unnecessary to buy it.
Very easy set-up and prefer this over the original drum set-up.
How'd you remove the single spring?
Buying the right tool can make a big difference. Even the old style drums it was a lot easier if you had the right tools. Thank you for the video, James
+shovelhead8 thanks man it was sure was a pain in the ass trying to put those brakes together without that tool
Thank God for this video. I went through the same trouble trying to change my 2004 Ion rear brakes. After seeing this I went to Carquest and bought the only Single Spring break tool they had. :) The $40 is more than worth it.
+whelen35 The tool works great
Thanks for this! Was planning on replacing my rear brakes this weekend on my ion! Would've gone in without the tool and would've spent way more time than I need to replacing them!
Thanks man I appreciate it that tool is very important if you don't have that tool you won't get much done I've read comments in this comment section about all you need is pliers and a screwdriver trust me we tried that it doesn't work
Thank you so much. You have educated me beyond thanks. The tool is vital. Very vital.
Thanks man we appreciate you watching
you guys made it look really easy I just done it the hard way that's a good setup thanks a lot for the video
+Robert Muse Thanks man... We tried it the hard way but we gave up and spent the money on the tool.
Damn I never in my life seen a tool for that job I guess you learn something new every day
+Jars Johnson I never seen one either till the day we filmed the video
Your spring on the emergency brakes moves back rather easy, he spring i have is very tight and you can barely move it.
We loosened the tension so that we can work on the break so yes it was loose
Nice video. i enjoyed the reasoning for making this video. Wishing your family the best for the holidays from Vancouver BC.
Thomas Beirne Thanks
The right tools help. Good vid
buzzsah Thanks man
Perfect I’m ordering the tool tonight that spring is a bitch
Awesome that tool makes the job much easier
Actually you guys made that looks easy.. Ive never seen that setup before.. my mustang had drum brakes at one time and they was a bitch to change.. I did the disc brake swap.. so much Easier to put pads on instead of shoes.. stops better too.. Nice How too..it'll probably help some folks out..
+Shiny Knife Thanks Brother Richie! I hope it does help out someone that's looking for a little instruction....
I found this video just before I was about to do the rear brakes on my wife's 2005 Saturn Ion. Glad I stumbled on it. I ordered the tool on Amazon and will dig into the job next weekend! The current price on Amazon is $25.92, it actually dropped in price from $30 to $25 during the time I was looking for local auto parts stores that may carry it. Not sure what that price drop was about but...I'll take it (Lisle 50600 Spring Brake Tool for GM).
+bikertom98 That's great man glad we could help. We found our very fast that without this tool doing the rear breaks was not going to happen. We tore out the old breaks before we had the tool and tried everything we could to put it back together. We definitely learned the hard way glad you didn't have too...
Why is your hand brake spring so loose and easily pushed back. Took me almost 2 hours to try and get that spring back. Took 2 strong people and 2 sets of vise grips. My arms feel like rubber and tomorrow I have to do the passenger side! Ugh. What am I doing ao wrong😢
It was just a very clean california cat
Hey Thanks for the video. Bought the tool and changed them in an hour. If you had not made the video it would taken a lot longer, and many more curse words. Thanks again!
+Christopher Robertson You're welcome man we knew this would be good useful information. That tool is a good investment because it will work for any Saturn model. We fought with one side for an entire day before we went to get it...
Next time I get a couple of these in the shop I’m going to be sure to make some videos for you guys To make this a lot easier for you next time
+Jars Johnson That would be cool
Now I know why I had so much trouble with my L-100. The rounded shoe bottoms is particularly difficult to locate and the purchase is not great either. That is the L-100, much the same. And mine did not have slots in the pistons either. It does not inspire confidence.
dang I wish you showed the ebrake cable replacement... helpfull video for sure tho, Thanks
yea that was hard
+chris Fontaine I'm sure that will be the next video for this car
I've been farting around with mine all week and I can't get my single spring to rest properly in that hook at the bottom... my car still sits on blocks in my driveway to this day. Anyone have any pointers?
Yeah my buddy came over for help on his im not a Saturn guy,i have no issues with Ford omg what a piece of shit Saturn is took a full day.Wish i knew about that tool.That spring is ridiculous.19:20 that took us most of the day ridiculous.
Yeah when GM designed the different Saturn models they must have had their head up their butt
thank you guys....
+mr roboto You're welcome thanks for watching we appreciate you
I know the pain.i did one side on my Saturn, no spring tool. None. Managed to get car to local shop for the right side. No lol.
Yeah it was a pain in the ass trying to put the breaks back together without that tool. I have had people tell me the tool is not nessissary and to do the brakes without it and they tell me how easy it is but I don't think they know what they are talking about
I just managed it with dual wielded vice grips cuz I ain't got no money... it wasnt too bad. Now I can't get the drums to fit on it cuz I dunno what I'm doing
You left out the part getting that cable back on bro😩
My sister had one of those cars for a while. Pretty sure the transmission blew and she gave up on it
My wife's Saturn Vue is a pretty good vehicle not too many issues or complaints about that car but my buddy Saturn Ion is a piece of s***
Your a genius , thanks
Well I don't know about genius but I do know that if you're going to change the brakes on a Saturn Ion or Saturn Vue you probably better have this tool because it's a pain in the ass to do without it it's damn near impossible anyone that says they can do it without that tool I say prove it show me the video showing me that you can do it without that tool on a Saturn Ion or Vue.... thanks for watching we appreciate you
Hey i just did the exact same on my 2006 ion and adjusted everything right but my ebrake doesnt seem to want to work now. I can put it in drive or reverse and have the ebrake lever up and the car will still move.
+Joseph Cann the E brake cable probably just needs some adjustments
I tightened the nut on the side of the ebrake lever and there is alot more tension then before.
+Joseph Cann maybe the cable is wore out you may need to replace it if you do replace it it's kind of a pain in the butt
Ok im gonna have another look at it tomorrow, thanks for your response
Proper routine maintenance gives me a semi! ;)
Flint and Steel Survival Hahahaha
Good work!!! BIG LIKE +++++++++++BIG DAY FOR YOU
I wont touch drum breaks. To many little pieces for me
Cool install vid....Good stuff....
+Scott F. Thanks bro
Great video. However, if you have two strong guys working together you can do this without the tool. A help was to us channel locks with one guy pulling on it and the other placing the shoe with the e-brake end on simultaneously. Another hack that worked was to have the horse shoe red giant red spring in place on one shoe with it seated on the metal hump underneath the housing for the parking brake spring/cable. Pull the e-brake to get it situated, and then hold it into place while another person gets a wire about the gauge of a clothes hanger, looping it around the end of the horseshoe shaped spring, while using a lot of force to get the other side of the red horseshoe shaped spring into place. This is not the safest way. Eye protection should be used as the upward pulling motion may take out an eye if you are not careful. Could not get the tool, so I had to rely on sheer muscle power of two people. If the tops of the shoes are not centered on the wheel cylinder located at the 12 o'clock position you can lightly hammer the metal parts of the shoes at the very top until it is aligned. Hopefully I never have to do this again, the tool probably makes it so much easier. Did it on memorial weekend when many shops were closing early on Saturday. Advanced auto had the part, but could not make it in time. Grateful, my neighbor is a buff 26 year old that is mechanically inclined and can improvise tools when needed. I understand how the puzzle fits together, and directed him. So you should take a photo or have a good memory about how the pieces fit and interact with one another. I had a Chilton manual so I had a fall back, and it did not mention the tool above, so I knew it could be done without the tool, just more difficult.
clean bro
+Stylez Racing Thanks brother
Thank you! Only video (I found) that went through loosening the e-brake...can I just say, I'm sick of Drum brakes?
+dorelse Drum breaks are a pain in the butt disk breaks are easier to maintain! Thanks for watching we appreciate you.
Wow that brake tool is odd I have never seen that brake setup before.
STEVE ROB I never saw it before this car
great vidier james buddy . congratulations on 600 brother .merry christmas my brother . god bless you mama mcintyre and little jimmy .
+dark matter Thank you Dark! Merry Christmas Brother
Big Mac mechanic 😄good video happy Christmas 🎄🎅🎁
Exploring With Larry Thanks man
i did this last week on my car no tool very easily
yee get some
Joseph Russell Yeah man!
What's the tool called?????
+haste0102 I'm not sure what they call that tool just give the auto parts store the part number I showed in the video
It's BRAKES NOT BREAK YOU CAN'T SPEEL
SPEEL?? Ok, smart guy 😂
Yeah, drums don’t pull off that easy, not worth watching after that fake part
Obviously you don't know what you're talkin about there was nothing fake about any part of this video. Just because you weren't shown every single thing we did does it mean any part of it was fake you're a moron You say it wasn't worth watching but guess what you watched it so thanks for your watch time
Nope quit watching as soon as you did that, drums never pull off that easy. Anyone who’s done brake drums know I’m right.
Nope quit watching as soon as you did that, drums never pull off that easy. Anyone who’s done brake drums know I’m right.
Nope quit watching as soon as you did that, drums never pull off that easy. Anyone who’s done brake drums know I’m right.
Nope quit watching as soon as you did that, drums never pull off that easy. Anyone who’s done brake drums know I’m right.