GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 38400 Brake Shoe Spanner and Spring Remover

Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution in the Preface section.

Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Caution in the Preface section.

Notice: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Notice in the Preface section.

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Remove the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
  4. Clean any debris and contaminants from around the wheel cylinder.

  5. Object Number: 890731  Size: SH
  6. Remove the wheel cylinder bleeder cap and valve (2).
  7. Disconnect the brake pipe fitting (1) from the wheel cylinder. Cap the exposed brake pipe end to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
  8. Remove the wheel cylinder mounting bolts (3).

  9. Object Number: 890730  Size: SH
  10. Using the J 38400 , spread the top of the brakes shoes apart, then remove the wheel cylinder from the brake backing plate.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 890730  Size: SH
  1. Using the J 38400 , spread the top of the brakes shoes apart, then install the wheel cylinder to the brake backing plate.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 890731  Size: SH
  3. Install the wheel cylinder mounting bolts (3).
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).

  5. Remove the cap from the brake pipe end.
  6. Connect the brake pipe fitting (1) at the wheel cylinder.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the fitting to 21 N·m (15 lb ft).

  8. Install the wheel cylinder bleeder valve.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the valve to 8 N·m (71 lb in).

  10. Install the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
  11. Bleed the hydraulic brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding .
  12. Install the bleeder valve cap.
  13. Adjust the drum brakes. Refer to Drum Brake Adjustment .
  14. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  15. Lower the vehicle.