EI07051 - Excessive Brake Grab, Aggressive Drag, Lock Rear Brakes, Drums and Shoes (Remove High Spots from Drum Surface Finish)

This bulletin is being updated to add model years and additional information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 07-05-24-001A (Section 05 -- Brakes).

Some customers may comment that after the vehicle has set for a while, during the first few stops, it will feel like the brakes are grabbing excessively. In addition, the tires may chirp and/or leave skid marks during braking.

This condition may be caused by a mirror-like finish between the drum and the brake shoe.

Remove the rear drums and inspect the rear axle seals and wheel cylinders for leaks. Inspect the brake shoes for contamination. If no leaks are found, perform the following:

Important: Only replace the rear brake shoes if a leak is found and the shoes have been contaminated with fluid from the rear axle or wheel cylinder.

1. Machine both rear drums to eliminate high spots.
2. For the left side, replace the drum brake star wheel adjuster with P/N 19133371. This adjuster is a 15-tooth adjuster. Refer to Adjusting Drum Brakes in SI.




Important: Take care to grind off every other tooth as shown above.

Important: P/N 19133371 is threaded for the left side only. DO NOT attempt to install the adjuster (P/N 19133371) on the right side of the vehicle.

3. For the right side, grind off every other tooth of the star wheel adjuster. Use suitable dremel and cut-off wheel (preferably a 1-¼ in X 1/16 in).
4. Reinstall the adjuster and adjust the brake shoes accordingly. Refer to SI for adjusting brake shoes.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: