shoe return springs.

[stuffedpike20]

When replacing brake shoe return springs there is a choice of 2 holes on one of the shoes. Which one should you use? I have always used the 'tightest' one; but the other day I removed a rear drum and the thin return spring was lying loose. The hook that fits into the hole is bent and not at right angles to the coil any more. Am I stretching it too much by using the tightest hole?
(I searched this and did not find an answer.)
Thanks, John.

[les]

Your shoes could be arranged as either of these pictures.

A6BA4054-A118-420A-9D1E-4E4733BA4DB2.jpeg (271.37 KiB) Viewed 559 times

[stuffedpike20]

Thanks Les. My setup is like the bottom picture but mine is a 1098. My springs are different and I put them in the tightest holes. I still don't know if that is right.

[philthehill]

The BMC workshop manual sections M.15 / M23 / M24 have illustrations of the brake assemblies which show the return springs fitted correctly for both front and rear brakes.
The rear brakes are the same at 7" dia for the 948cc & 1098cc Minor.

[stuffedpike20]

Thanks Phil.

[stuffedpike20]

Is the top photo by Les correct?
M 15 in the manual shows the same setup as Les has on the rear shoes, with 4 holes on the side of the thick spring and 2 holes the side of the thin spring on the cylinder side. I would have thought it should be 3 holes each side, to make adjustment possible if return springs have become stretched.
Am I missing something?
(PS my front shoes are set up right!)

[philthehill]

Les's top photo is correct.
Ignore the additional holes as these brake shoes fit numerous vehicles and applications
Fit as per the manual and you will be alright.
It is very rare that the brake shoe return springs stretch unless they have been roughly handled.

[stuffedpike20]

Thank you.