Hi Andy, I've done my fronts recently but used to do them on my mini. I find it easier to pull or prise the bottom of the shoe over the bottom stop then it releases the tension on the spring. I do the opposite to fit them ...anchor the springs put one shoe in place the prise the other over the stop plate, make use of the shoe as a lever I've never had any problems doing it that way....trying to hook the spring on when the shoes are in place....get some plasters ready...!!