Abstract: The vehicle drum brake comprises a plate, at least one segment comprising a core and a brake lining, a spring able to keep the core of the segment in an axially balanced position, means for prestressing the spring wherein said means for prestressing the spring include stop means limiting the ability of the core of the segment to move axially.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake system for utility vehicles, comprising an actuation unit, a transmission element and a converter unit, wherein the actuation unit moves the transmission element along a transmission axis, the converter unit being arranged on a wheel axis and comprising at least one piston element. According to the invention, the transmission axis intersects the wheel axis at least in the region of the converter unit, and the transmission element is designed to transmit a force onto the piston element in order to move the latter transverse to the wheel axis.

Abstract: A drum brake (10) is provided which has a pair of brake pads (12), each pad being moveable generally radially outwardly into contact with a brake drum by a respective operating lever (14) which is acted on at one end by a brake applying means (15) and pivoted (16) at the other end from a backplate (11). Each pad is contacted by a portion (14c) of the respective operating lever intermediate the lever ends and is moved radially outwardly between a pair of circumferentially spaced abutments (45) which extend generally perpendicular to the backplate (11) and which react braking torque when the brake is applied. The required pad to drum clearance is established by knock-back of the drum on the pads (12).

Abstract: A drum brake apparatus is provided with a backing plate, a brake shoe, a shoe guide portion formed integrally with a backing plate by cutting and press molding, a guide surface on a rear surface of the shoe guide portion, an engagement projection that is formed on the brake shoe and slidably engages with the guide surface, and end portions that is formed on the shoe guide portion at both ends of the shoe guide portion in a circumferential direction of the drum brake apparatus and is continuous to the backing plate. Uplift of the brake shoe from the backing plate is prevented by engagement between the guide surface and the engagement projection.

Abstract: To accomplish both prevention of disengagement of the shoe-hold spring from the shoe-hold apparatus and improvement of the assemblability of the same. The shoe-hold pin has the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion. One end opened slots are formed at the pair of arms of the U-shaped shoe-hold spring, and the slots are such that the small diameter portion of the shoe-hold pin is passable therethrough and the large diameter portion is non-passable. The pin-insertion hole, which is continuous to the slot of the web side arm and may position the large diameter portion therein, is formed in the web side arm and restricts the shoe-hold spring from disengaging therefrom when the large diameter portion of the shoe-hold pin is positioned in the pin-insertion hole.

Abstract: One of brake pads 5 is pressed against the disc rotor D by a piston of a caliper 3 which is floatably supported on the carrier 2, and in reaction thereto, the other brake pad 5 is pressed against the disc rotor D by a claw portion 14 on the caliper 3, thereby producing a braking force. During brake release, the spring force of a return spring 22 separates the brake pad 5 from the disc rotor D. A positioning convex portion 27 is provided on the carrier 2 in a standing position adjacent to the return spring 22, and serves to restrict the sideward movement of the distal end portion of the return spring 22. Thus displacement and deformation of the return spring can be prevented, and its functions can be maintained.

Abstract: A drum brake assembly which includes a rotatable drum having a radially inner drum braking surface and a brake shoe of single piece construction and of generally circular form mounted within the drum and against a backing plate. The brake shoe includes friction lining and at least one flange projecting radially inwardly. The brake shoe has positioning arrangement for positioning the brake shoe within the drum in an inoperative condition against lateral movement into engagement with the drum braking surface, to provide for complete clearance between the friction lining and the drum braking surface in the inoperative condition. The positioning arrangement includes an engagement member for engagement with an abutment arrangement.

Abstract: A drum brake having a disc with a peripheral surface with a plurality of radial guides interspersed between a first radial abutment and a second radial abutment. The plurality of radial guides receive a first arcuate channel member on a first brake shoe and a second arcuate channel member on a second brake to align a first reaction surface on the first channel with the first radial abutment and a second reaction surface with the second radial abutment. An actuator provides a force to move the first reaction surface moves away from the first radial abutment and the second reaction surface from the second radial abutment to initiate a brake application.

Abstract: A brake shoe assembly (1) for a drum brake, the brake shoe assembly being a single-piece construction and including a brake shoe (2) of generally circular form having two separate and opposed ends (17, 18), and defining a pair of friction lining mounting sections (11, 12) disposed on opposite sides of the brake shoe (2). The friction lining mounting sections (11, 12) have a T-shaped cross-sectional form defining an arcuate, radially outer platform (15) for mounting a friction lining (16) and a radially inwardly extending web (14). The brake shoe (2) including hinge means (27, 28) between the lining mounting sections (11, 12), facilitating pivoting movement of the lining mounting sections (11, 12), to alter the separation between the brake ends (17, 18) between a brake operative condition in which in use, the friction lining (16) engages a braking surface of a drum to which the brake shoe assembly (1) is fitted, and a brake inoperative condition in which there is no such engagement.

Abstract: A brake hold down assembly for brake mechanisms has a hold down spring designed to ease spring installation and removal as well as reduce spring overstressing. Each leg of the spring has an open-ended slot therein, and the assembly also includes a retaining pin, which interfaces with the open-ended slot in each leg to lock the spring in place after installation. The spring is preferably p-shaped with a pair of opposing legs connected by an arcuate portion.

Abstract: The present invention is a drum brake shoe assembly having an improved support structure which limits the lateral travel of the leading brake shoe, to thereby reduce or eliminate audible impacts between the brake shoe and the backing plate of the drum brake assembly. In accordance with the invention, two or more spaced apart hold down devices are provided on the leading brake shoe while a single hold down device is used on the trailing brake shoe. Each of the hold down device includes a hold down pin connected at a first end to the backing plate of the drum brake assembly. The second end of each hold down pin extends through an opening in the web of the brake shoe. Springs such as coil springs or the like are disposed between the second ends of the hold down pins and the brake shoe web for urging the brake shoe against the backing plate.

Abstract: A wire return spring for providing bias for brake shoes in a drum brake system urging the brake shoes to deactuated positions, with the wire spring having a circular like contour as assembled with the brake shoes.

Abstract: In order to indirectly open brake shoes (3, 4) through a link (19) pivoted on one of the brake shoes (3) at a location of a brake shoe holding mechanism (5), and to operate the brake shoes (3, 4) away from a shoe gap adjuster (11) while one of the brake shoes (3) is kept abutting against an anchor member (10), when rotating a lever (20) with a force (W) and operating a wheel cylinder (16) to operate brake shoes (3, 4), a moment of rotation caused by the return spring (13) is set to be larger than a moment of rotation caused by the return spring (15).

Abstract: A preassembled spring and cup assembly is used in a brake assembly. The spring and cup assembly includes a cup which is engaged against a spring. The cup has a slot therethrough through which a pin is passed to retain the pin with the cup and to retain the preassembled spring and cup assembly with the brake assembly. The cup further includes at least one indent in which the pin is releasably retained. The assembly further includes structure for retaining the spring in a compressed condition. The retaining structure is capable of being selectively released to allow the spring to expand. In a first embodiment, the retaining structure is an arm portion which is integrally formed with the spring and extends upwardly to the cup to engage the cup through an opening in the cup. The pin is used to release the retaining structure. In a second embodiment, a base stamping is provided which is attached to the second end of the spring. Arm portions extend upwardly from the base stamping to the cup and engage the cup.

Abstract: A drum brake device having a single brake shoe mounted to be movable on top of the back plate. One end of the brake shoe abuts against an anchor (10) and the other end interlocks with a shoe clearance adjustment device (14). A link (11) is supported so as to pivot in the central region of the brake shoe (3). One end of the link (11) is interlocked so as to be activated by a service brake actuator (12) itself activated when the service brake is applied, while the other end of the link (11) abuts against the anchor (10). When the brake drum is rotating in one direction, the other end of the brake shoe (3) is supported by the anchor (10), and when the brake drum is rotating in the reverse direction, the one end of the brake shoe (3) is supported by the shoe clearance adjustment device (14).

Abstract: A brake shoe (12) is guided on an anchor plate (10) of a drum brake and held down by a pin (32) which extends through a hole (34, 36) each in the anchor plate and in a web (18) of the brake shoe (12). The pin (32) has a foot (38) which is supported on the anchor plate (10) and a head (42) which has a bottom of rotationally symmetrical configuration with respect to the pin (32) and rises radially outwardly. Between the head (42) and the web (18) a spring (46) is arranged which has a receiving portion (50) formed with a recessed seat (52) for the head (42) and with a slot (60) which serves for radially slipping the receiving portion (50) on to the pin (32). The seat (52) is shaped like a funnel having a circular upper edge (54). The slot (60) is defined by a pair of outer edges (62) and a pair of adjoining inner edges (64). The outer edges (62) of the slot (60) converge in the direction of the upper edge (54) of the seat (52).

Abstract: In a duo-servo drum brake comprising a mechanical expander adjacent a thrust bearing for supporting the brake shoes, with the expander including an operating lever to which is transmitted the operating force of an actuator substantially in a direction tangential to the edge of the brake drum. The brake shoe is movable through an expander in the direction of the operating force and connected to a thrust bearing through a prestressed spring. The spring force of the prestressed spring opposes the expanding force of the expander and exceeds the operating force required for placing the brake shoes in abutment with the brake drum on the operating lever.

Abstract: A new and improved brake shoe hold down mechanism for retaining a brake shoe to an inside surface of a backing plate includes a nail having a head disposed on an outside surface of the backing plate limiting axial travel of the nail and a barb-like tip adapted to pass through apertures in the backing plate and a web of the brake shoe. A wire spring is disposed on a first end against the brake shoe and has a coil on a second aligned with the tip of the nail. A cup shaped retainer cap is compressively seated against the spring coil and engaged by the tip of the nail at a bottom of the cap thereby biasing the brake shoe against the backing plate. The retainer cap has a slot from a first position at which the nail tip is received and which is offset from the bottom of the cap to a second position at a bottom of the cap to which the tip is biased by the compressive spring load. The tip engages the bottom of the cap independent of orientation to the slot.

Abstract: A drum brake (10) includes a backing plate (11) supporting a pair of drum brake shoes ( 12, 14) having brake shoe webs (16, 18). An opposing pair of brake shoe ends (26, 28) have adjacent thereto a combination drum brake shoe hold-down bracket and cable guide (60) attached to the backing plate (11) . The hold-down bracket and cable guide (60) has a pair of securement portions (61) extending laterally or transversely, via axial projections (62) and ends (64) , relative to the center of revolution (A) of the drum brake (10) and which engage the drum brake shoe webs (16, 18) to assist in maintaining the brake shoes (12, 14) in operative position. Each portion (61) of the hold-down bracket and cable guide (60) extends laterally toward one another via an axially extending portion (65) that curves in an annular path to form a center portion (67) that defines a cable guide path (68).

Abstract: A brake return spring retention system for a cast brake shoe where a slot is located on the inside rib of the brake shoe having a width which exceeds that of a spring hook formed on one end of a brake return spring where the spring hook passes into the slot and engages a spring retention pin which is positioned transverse to the slot.

Abstract: A drum brake assembly including a brake member comprised of a substantially circular shoe having a radially outer face on which at least one lining is mounted. The shoe is made from a high strength resilient material and is of substantially constant cross-section along its entire length. The brake member is arranged to be diametrically expanded by an actuation device on the brake assembly. When the actuation device is released the resilience of the shoe material causes the shoe to diametrically contract. The lining may be machined to a circular form prior to the brake member being fitted to the brake assembly, and that machining is preferably done after the shoe has been expanded a predetermined extent. The disclosure extends to a method of manufacturing a brake member and to a brake member for a drum brake assembly.

Abstract: An internal shoe drum brake having a generally C-shaped shoe return spring of which an intermediate portion is retained on the backplate and respective end portions respectively engage brake shoes. The intermediate portion of the spring is retained by a retention device secured to the brake backplate and has opposed tongues embracing a portion of the spring in such a manner as to retain the spring relative to the backplate in directions generally parallel to the latter. The retention device also retains the spring in a direction perpendicular to the backplate and may be associated with or embody a mounting device for an electrical component.

Abstract: The shoe hold down spring (40) comprises a single wave form or serpentine shaped leaf spring (40) which is engaged at opposite ends (42, 44) by hold down pins (53, 55) of a drum brake. The hold down pins (53, 55) are connected with the backing plate (12) and extend through respective openings (21, 23) within a brake shoe web (20). The hold down spring (40) includes opposite ends (42, 44) and a middle portion (41) all of which extend away and are spaced-apart from the shoe web (20), and two intermediate curved portions (47, 49) which engage the web (20). The opposite ends (42, 44) of the hold down spring (40) have slots (43, 45) extending inwardly from spring edges (42A, 44A), and small curved recesses (42B, 44B) which effect securement of ends (53A, 55A) of the pins (53, 55) to the spring (40). The pins (53, 55) have laterally extending wings (53B, 55B) at the pin ends (53A, 55A) which are received within the small curved recesses (42A, 44A) at the respective ends (42, 44) of the spring (40).

Abstract: A drum brake is provided of the leading-trailing shoe type in which a single piece spring installed as a part of the assembly holds down the brake shoe assemblies against the backing plate and also retracts the shoes after brake actuation. The single piece spring also retains the lower ends of the shoes against the anchor plate. This arrangement eliminates the need for separate shoe hold-down springs and separate upper and lower return springs, resulting in a significant reduction in parts and labor for assembly.

Abstract: A single generally U-shaped wire spring has a plurality of torsional spring loops formed in the center and fitting over an anchor mounting post for a leading-trailing shoe assembly. Each arm of the spring extends along the web of a shoe and terminates in a hook end which fits within a slot in the associated shoe web. The spring will return the brake shoes to their retracted position after service or parking brake operation, reengaging the adjuster/strut assembly after actuation of the wheel cylinder during service brake operation; retain the lower ends of the shoes against the anchor plate; and hold the shoes against the backing plate by the cantilever spring force component of the spring acting against retaining lips formed as part of the anchor mounting post, resulting in a cantilever spring load directed onto the web of each shoe toward the backing plate.

Abstract: Each of a pair of wire springs has a loop end fitting on an anchor mount for a leading-trailing shoe assembly. Each spring has an arm extending from its loop end along the web of a shoe and terminates in a hook end which fits within a slot in the associated shoe web. The springs will return the brake shoes to their retracted position after serice or parking brake operation by cantilever spring bias force stored in the spring arms as the springs are installed, reengaging the adjuster/strut assembly after actuation of the wheel cylinder during service brake operation; retain the lower ends of the shoes against the anchor plate; and hold the shoes down against the backing plate by torsional spring bias forces of the springs which are stored in the spring loop ends and are directed onto the web of each shoe toward the backing plate through the spring arms and the arm outer portions which are immediately adjacent to the spring arm hook ends.

Abstract: A spacer (10) is used to prevent a vibratory noise created by two inelastic parts of a drum brake assembly (12) from contacting each other; the two inelastic parts being the backing plate (18) and the brake shoe (28). The spacer (10) is fabricated from an organic polymeric material based on acetal. The spacer (10) comprises a head (30) and an anchor (34). The head (30) is cylindrical in shape with a rounded distal end (32). The rounded distal end (32) is the end that contacts the backing plate (18) and absorbs any vibratory energy which may produce a noise if the vibratory energy contacted an inelastic object, i.e., the brake shoe (28). The anchor (34) is extended through a hole in the tab (26) and is secured thereto because the fluted edges (36) of the anchor (34) are forced through the hole (not shown) in the tab (26).

Abstract: A brake shoe guide member (50) is provided that is adapted to be firmly secured to the brake spider (38) and which features a pair of spaced-apart guide surfaces (56, 56) on one side of the brake shoe web (16) and an opposed guide surface (58) on an opposite side of web (16) intermediate surfaces (56, 56) such that web (16) is held in substantial parallel alignment with spider (38) by guide surfaces (56, 56 and 58) as web (16) moves therebetween when the brake shoe moves between the retracted and expanded positions.

Abstract: The retainer assembly (10) comprises a longitudinally extending retainer body (12) having an enlarged diameter or head member (14) at one end and an arrow-shaped or flared member (16) at the other end. A V-shaped leaf spring (20) has an opening (24) at the bottom of the V-shaped opening (22) which receives the retainer body (12) so that the spring (20) is disposed between the head member (14) and a surface (31) of a first member (30). The retainer body (12) extends through an opening (32) in the first member (30) and the flared member (16) is resiliently captured within a resilient receiving member (50) disposed within an opening (46) of the second member (40). The opening (46) in the second member (40) is in a second surface (44) disposed apart from a first surface (42) of the second member (40) which engages the first member (30).

Abstract: A single generally U-shaped wire spring has a partial loop formed in the center and fitting over an anchor for a leading-trailing shoe assembly. Each arm of the spring extends along the web of a shoe and terminates in a hook end which fits within a slot in the associated shoe web. The slots are so located in the web to obtain the desired distribution of spring loads on the adjuster/strut assembly and on the anchor plate. The spring will return the brake shoes to the adjuster/strut assembly after actuation of the wheel cylinder during service brake function; retain the lower ends of the shoes against the anchor plate; and hold the shoes against the backing plate by the force component of the spring wire acting against the bottom side of the cable support and against the top of the outer ramp of the anchor plate, resulting in a spring load directed onto the web of each shoe.

Abstract: A one piece spring clip is positioned on a headed brake shoe hold-down pin so that the spring clip is compressed with a camming action until the clip reaches an over-center condition. Further installing movement of the spring clip permits the spring to expand and lock itself in the installed position. The spring has a primary spring section absorbing normal compression loads and secondary spring sections resisting excessive compression loads.

Abstract: A drum brake assembly with a center guide backing plate, channeled web brake shoe assemblies slidably received on the center guide braking plate. A wheel cylinder assembly mounted in a notch on the center guide braking plate and engaged by a first set of adjacent brake shoe ends. A brake adjuster mounted between a second set of adjacent brake shoe ends, and retractor springs attached to the shoe assemblies and holding the shoe assemblies, wheel cylinder and brake adjuster in position on the center guide backing plate. The brake shoes are made of two identical shoe halves symmetrically formed about an axis so that the shoes also provide integral push rod-like which cylinder and adjuster engaging end.

Abstract: A drum brake assembly includes a pair of brake shoes which are slidably mounted on a fixed support. An elastic retention member is mounted on each of the shoes before they are assembled onto the fixed support. Each of the retention members includes a locking portion which engages the web of the brake shoes, and a pair of arm portions which extend from the locking portions and which engage the web of the brake shoe in such a way as to releasably maintain the locking portion engaged with the web of the brake shoe. When the brake shoes are assembled on the torque member, a portion of the torque member is provided with a sloped edge that engages the locking portion to release the latter as the brake shoes are assembled onto the fixed support, so that the retaining member then exerts a biasing force between the torque member and the brake shoes.

Abstract: A torque plate construction (50) comprises two stamped parts (58, 60) which are fastened together at central planar portions (62, 63) thereof and to a wheel axle housing (20) of a vehicle. Each torque plate part (58, 60) includes housing portions (77) spaced axially from the central planar portion (62, 63) of the respective plate part, the portions (77) providing a wheel cylinder housing (78). A piston cylinder (90) is disposed within the wheel cylinder housing (78), with a pair of bolts (100) and nuts (87) connecting together the portions (77) and securing the cylinder (90) within the housing (78). Each torque plate part (58, 60) has a pair of circumferentially spaced-apart notched portions (37) providing seats for a pin (40) extending from an associated brake shoe web (34), one web having an extension (39) extending between the torque plate parts to engage the piston (92).

Abstract: A drum brake assembly with a center guide backing plate, channeled web brake shoe assemblies slidably received on the center guide braking plate. A wheel cylinder assembly mounted in a notch on the center guide braking plate and engaged by a first set of adjacent brake shoe ends. A brake adjuster mounted between a second set of adjacent brake shoe ends, and retractor springs attached to the shoe assemblies and holding the shoe assemblies, wheel cylinder and brake adjuster in position on the center guide backing plate. The brake shoes are made of two identical shoe halves symmetrically formed about an axis so that the shoes also provide integral push rod-like which cylinder and adjuster engaging end.

Abstract: An improved expanding shoe drum brake (10) is provided. The brake includes a pair of brake shoes (20) pivotably retained on an anchor structure (18). The shoes include brake tables (22) and webs (26), the webs are resiliently urged by a spring (132) into constant sliding engagement with three guide surfaces (78, 88 and 114) to locate the webs on a plane (P) relative to the spider and to retain a substantially parallel relationship between the shoe friction material (24) and the brake drum (12) thereby minimizing the required running clearance (44) or slack of the brake.

Abstract: A drum brake (10) includes a rotatable brake drum (16) and a pair of brake shoes (12, 14) which are engageable with the brake drum. A non-rotatable backing plate (24) slidably carries the pair of brake shoes. The brake shoes pivotally anchor at one end to a pin (32) secured to the backing plate. An extendible member (36) adjustably spaces apart the other ends of the brake shoes to maintain a desired running clearance between the brake shoes and the brake drum. One of the brake shoes carries a lever (48) which drivingly engages a ratchet wheel (46) of the extendible member. The lever carries a pin (60) which is slidably and rotatably received in an arcuate guide slot (58) of the backing plate. A brake application with forward brake drum rotation causes the lever to slide along the arcuate slot and to remain substantially stationary relative to the extendible member.

Abstract: A drum brake wherein a pair of brake shoes are held down, without departing from a backing plate, by means of a single shoe hold-down spring. The spring is made of a wire, being bent and wound symmetrically about an axis, and held by retainers secured to the backing plate, so as not to be substantially hampered from swinging about the axis; it is contacted to the pair of shoes at a pair of farthest distant symmetrical points from the axis. The contacting load at the pair of points with the shoes is naturally equalized or balanced, because the spring is not substantially hampered from swinging about the axis.

Abstract: An anchor plate is disclosed for a drum brake assembly having a backing plate and a pair of brake shoes arranged in end-to-end relationship thereon. The anchor plate engages a knob integral with the backing plate, the knob extending from the backing plate a distance to extend into the plane defined by the brake shoe webs. The backing plate knob defines a pair of knob faces, each knob face facing a corresponding brake shoe web. Disposed in overlying and force-fit engagement with the knob is an anchor plate of thin material having a planar surface and two substantially perpendicular tabs extending therefrom. The tabs define load bearing surfaces for receiving the brake shoe webs. The tabs are spaced apart a distance equal to, but preferably slightly less than, the distance between the knob faces for snug intereference fit therewith. The planar top surface of the anchor plate has, integral therewith, retaining tabs extending substantially parallel to, and overlying the brake shoe webs.

Abstract: A wheel brake assembly in which the webs of brake shoes are held in a planar alignment between and supported by a pair of parallel-spaced interconnected supporting plates, in turn supported by an axle or spindle. A pair of brake contracting springs interconnect the brake shoes, and these springs are positioned with one spring being against the outer surface of each plate. An inner edge of each of the plates is circular and independently adapted to attach to an axle housing, whereby the brake assembly may be readily welded to an axle housing.

Abstract: A drum brake assembly includes a torque member which supports a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator is engageable with a pair of brake shoes and is operable to move the pair of brake shoes into a braking position. The torque member comprises a central portion which attaches to an axle assembly and a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the central portion. In the preferred embodiment the plurality of arms cooperate with the central portion to substantially form a Y-shaped member. One of the arms substantially forms the hydraulic actuator to integrally form the latter with the one arm. The other arms are provided with slots to direct the movement of the pair of brake shoes and a resilient spring within the slots opposes axial movement of the pair of brake shoes.

Abstract: A drum brake is provided with a pair of brake shoes having axially inner and outer webs for supporting friction linings. A backing plate mounts the pair of brake shoes by providing radially outwardly extending lugs which are disposed between the inner and outer webs to prevent axial movement of the pair of brake shoes. Moreover, springs are disposed between respective lugs and portions extending between the webs to bias the portions into engagement with recesses on the backing plate. A double hydraulic actuator is positioned between the pair of braking shoes with one actuator cooperating with the inner webs and the other actuator cooperating with the outer webs during a braking application to urge the friction linings into engagement with a drum. The inner and outer webs also include slots substantially opposite the double hydraulic actuator for receiving plates which mount an adjustment mechanism between the pair of brake shoes.

Abstract: A wheel brake assembly in which the webs of brake shoes are held in a planar alignment between and supported by a pair of parallel-spaced interconnected supporting plates, in turn supported by an axle or spindle. A pair of brake contracting springs interconnect the brake shoes, and these springs are positioned with one spring being against the outer surface of each plate. An inner edge of each of the plates is circular and independently adapted to attach to an axle housing, whereby the brake assembly may be readily welded to an axle housing.

Abstract: A drum brake includes a backing plate for supporting a pair of brake shoes and a hydraulic actuator is operable to move the pair of brake shoes into a braking position. A coil spring and a finger cooperate to juxtaposition one of the pair of brake shoes adjacent to the backing plate. The coil spring includes end projections that are biased against the one brake shoe and an intermediate portion of the coil spring forms a loop which releasably locks with a hook on the finger to yieldably maintain the one brake shoe adjacent to the backing plate. The loop and finger cooperate to form an abutment which limits the separation between the one brake shoe and the backing plate.

Abstract: A drum brake shoe hold down retainer is formed as a one piece device with a main body having barbs which grip both sides of the shoe backing plate. The upper end of the body is formed with radially outwardly extending legs which are reversely bent to resiliently engage the shoe web. The legs provide spring forces holding the shoe in position and have small dimple-like buttons to help minimize friction between the shoe and the retainer during brake apply. The other end of the retainer is formed with a closed end to minimize entry of water through the backing plate.

Abstract: A drum brake is disclosed in which a pair of arcuate brake shoes are slidably mounted on a fixed support and which are thrust into braking engagement with a rotating drum by a fluid motor actuator. Resilient hold-down springs are provided to attach the brake shoes to the drum and consist of an anchor portion which is engaged with the fixed support and a linking portion which interconnects the anchor portion and the brake shoe. A detent is provided on the web of the brake shoe in a position such that, when the brake shoe is installed on the fixed support with the detent projecting away from the fixed support, the linking portion of the hold-down spring will engage the detent and cannot be connected to the anchor portion. In this way, the shoes must be installed correctly with the projections facing towards the fixed support in order to connect the portions of the hold-down springs, thereby preventing incorrect assembly of the brake.