I need to install new brakes/drums on the front axle of my '62 valiant. The old brake drums have a spring surrounding the whole drum-- the new ones don't have the spring. I'm assuming that I need to remove the spring and put it on the new drum? What does that spring do?

tim

I think the spring was for quieting the drum by stopping the ringing effect when hard compound brake shoes squeel. Somebody correct me if
I got that wrong.

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"Former Owner" of '65 Barracuda, 225, Auto, MP 2bbl intake, MP cam, Dutra Duals. Presently Moparless.

I came across the same thing replacing my stock drums a few monthes ago and asked the guy at the parts house who knows his stuff. He told me that the spring is for cooling. It is a radiator of sorts. Sadly my new drums don't have a place for that spring so I left it off.

I am pretty sure it was too stop the squeeling also. I just left my rusty old springs off when I replaced the drums.

yes,mopar installed it to cancel brake noise. it stops the vibration that creates the high pitch brake squeal.

Also used on brake lathes (for rotors too) to help reduce any vibration when turning.

Never seen them on modern cars though.