For 1990-2009 cars

### Tools Required

• | J 38400 Brake Shoe Spanner and Spring Remover

• | J 21177-A Drum-to-Brake Shoe Clearance

### Removal Procedure

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the brake drums. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .

Notice: Do not over stretch the adjuster spring. Damage can occur if the spring is over stretched.

3. Remove the adjuster spring (1).

• | Use the J 38400 in order to pry the loop end of the adjuster spring from the adjuster actuator.

• | Disengage the other end of the adjuster spring from the brake shoe.

Caution: Keep fingers away from rear brake shoe springs to prevent fingers from being pinched between spring and shoe web or spring and backing plate.

4. Use the J 38400 to spread the brake shoes.
5. Remove the adjuster assembly.
6. Remove the adjuster actuator from the brake shoe.
7. Using the hook end of the J 38400 lift or pull the return spring from the brake shoe.
8. Remove the brake shoe from the backing plate.
9. Using the hook end of the J 38400 lift or pull the return spring from the brake shoe.
10. Remove the brake shoe from the backing plate.
11. Twist the brake shoe and remove the park brake cable from the lever.
12. Mount the brake shoe in a vise.
13. Remove the clip and the park brake lever from the brake shoe.
14. Remove the return spring from the backing plate. The park brake cable clip will require removal.
15. Disassemble the adjuster assembly and clean in denatured alcohol.
16. Clean all parts in denatured alcohol.
17. Inspect all of the brake system components.
18. Replace any brake system components that are worn or damaged.
19. Inspect the wheel cylinder for the following conditions. Repair or replace as necessary.

• | Brake fluid leakage

• | Worn or damaged dust boots

### Installation Procedure

1. Apply GM P/N 18010908 silicone grease (or equivalent) to the following areas.

• | The six brake shoe contact points on the backing plate.

• | The adjuster threads

• | The inside diameter of the adjuster socket

• | The hole and area on the brake shoe for the adjuster actuator

• | The pin and the contact area on the park brake lever

2. Install the parking brake lever to the brake shoe.
3. Install a new parking brake lever clip.
4. Install the return spring to the backing plate.
5. Install the parking brake cable clip.
6. Connect the parking brake cable to the parking brake lever.
7. Position the brake shoe in place.

Caution: Keep fingers away from rear brake shoe springs to prevent fingers from being pinched between spring and shoe web or spring and backing plate.

8. Using the hook end of the J 38400 lift or pull the return spring and install in the slotted hole on the brake shoe.
9. Position the other brake shoe to the backing plate.
10. Using the hook end of the J 38400 lift or pull the return spring and install in the slotted hole on the brake shoe.
11. Install the adjuster actuator to the brake shoe.
12. Use the J 38400 in order to spread the brake shoes.

Important: Ensure the adjuster (2), brake shoe (4) and park brake actuator (3) are properly installed.

13. Install the adjuster assembly (2).
14. Install the adjuster spring in the brake shoe.

Notice: Do not over stretch the adjuster spring. Damage can occur if the spring is over stretched.

15. Use the J 38400 and hook the loop end of the adjuster spring on the adjuster actuator.
16. Note the following items in order to ensure the proper positioning and function of the adjuster actuator:

• | The adjuster actuator pivots in the shoe web slot.

• | The notch in the adjuster actuator rests on the step in the adjusting screw notch.

• | The arm of the adjuster actuator rests freely on the star wheel teeth of the adjuster screw, not trapped under the teeth at a downward angle.

17. Hold the bottom of the brake shoe with the adjuster actuator. Use the J 38400 and move the brake shoe to the apply direction. Watch for proper rotation of the star wheel.
18. Using the J 21177-A measure the brake drum and the brake shoes.
19. Adjust the brakes.Refer to Drum Brake Adjustment in Drum Brakes
20. Install the brake drums. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
21. Lower the vehicle.