[T3] 71 Squareback MT/FI - Broken Leaf Spring for Rear Brake Shoe Adjusting Star

[Jim Adney]

Richard,

Good to hear from you. I fought off the urge to email you a few days ago, just 
to see how your car is coming along. How's everything else going?

I broke one of those springs when I was new at this, quite a few decades 
ago. I just left it without the spring (on one side) and it seemed to work just 
fine for quite a few years. The springs purpose is to keep the star wheel from 
turning and losing adjustment, but they don't seem to have a problem with 
that even when goobered with anti-seize.

The problem with those springs is that they are completely out of sight, so 
it's easy to grab a frozen star wheel with channelocks, to twist it off, and twist 
off the spring instead.

I've never replaced one of those springs, so I don't have any advice on the 
best way to do it. I think it's held with a kind of rivet, but I'm not sure. I'm sure 
it's not welded.

I probably have a good used backing plate for $25 if you want to go that 
route.  

Jim

On 20 Apr 2019 at 10:45, Wisconsin Spryers wrote:

> I'm in the process of servicing the rear brakes and noticed when I removed
> the left rear brake drum, that the forward section of the leaf spring that
> stops the adjusting star from turning is broken. The rear section of the
> spring is still in place and keeps the adjusting start in place. The leaf
> spring on the right brake looks good and seems to function properly.
> 
> I've seen a few sources listed online for a replacement part (311-609-485;
> ~$5).
> 
> My questions are:
> 1)  Is it necessary to remove the backing plate to make the repair?
> 2)  Although the right-side spring looks good, is it recommended to replace
> both sides?
> 3)  Besides welding in place, any experiences with drilling and tapping
> into the anchor block for a small bolt to hold the spring in place? I don't
> have access to any welding equipment at this time.
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> 
> -- Richard Spryer
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-- 
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Jim Adney, jadney at vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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