GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 21177-A Drum to Brake Shoe Clearance Gauge

Removal Procedure

  1. Release the parking brake.
  2. Remove two screws and lift the parking brake lever bezel.

  3. Object Number: 172389  Size: SH
  4. Loosen the parking brake cable lock nut (2).
  5. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  6. Remove the tire/wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  7. Remove the locking washers from the wheel studs.

  8. Object Number: 172392  Size: SH
  9. Pull the drum (1) from the axle hub by inserting two 8 mm bolts (2) into the drum.

  10. Object Number: 172395  Size: SH
  11. If the brake shoes are in the way and make brake drum removal difficult, use the following procedure.
  12. 8.1. Remove the backing plate rubber plug from the backing plate (4).
    8.2. Insert two flat-bladed screwdrivers into the plug hole (3).
    8.3. Push up the pawl lever (1) with one screwdriver. At the same time, turn the adjuster (2) with the other screwdriver in order to obtain enough shoe-to-drum clearance.
  13. Inspect all drum brake components for wear, distortion, cracks, or other abnormal conditions and replace them as necessary.

  14. Object Number: 172396  Size: SH
  15. Measure the brake drum inner diameter (1) using a J 21177-A
  16. • 2-Door: 222 mm (8.74 in)
    • 4-Door: 256 mm (10.07 in)

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 172434  Size: SH
  1. Before installing the drum, check and adjust (if necessary) the outer diameter of the brake shoes (3) by using J 21177-A
  2. • 2-Door: 219.4 mm (8.64 in)
    • 2-Door: 253.5 mm (9.98 in)

    Object Number: 172392  Size: SH
  3. Install the brake drum (1) to the rear brake assembly. Verify that the drum is free of dirt and oil.
  4. Install the locking washers (2) to the wheel studs.
  5. Install the tire/wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  6. Lower the vehicle.
  7. Press the brake pedal three to ten times with about 30 kg (66 lb) in order to obtain the proper drum-to-shoe clearance.
  8. Adjust the parking brake.
  9. Install the parking brake lever bezel. Secure the bezel with the two screws.