GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 38400 Brake Shoe Spanner and Spring Remover

Removal Procedure

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


    Object Number: 1179727  Size: SH
  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. Object Number: 1195810  Size: SH
  5. Remove the adjuster spring.

  6. Object Number: 1195804  Size: SH
  7. Remove the adjuster actuator lever from the pivot.

  8. Object Number: 890724  Size: SH
  9. Use the J 38400  (1) to spread the top of the brake shoes to remove the adjuster assembly (2) from the brake shoes.

  10. Object Number: 1195872  Size: SH
  11. Position the hook end (1) of the J 38400 under the universal spring and lightly pull the universal spring end out of the shoe web hole. Hold the universal spring with the tool while removing the brake shoe.
  12. Release the park brake cable from the park brake lever.

  13. Object Number: 1195871  Size: SH
  14. Position the hook end (1) of the J 38400 under the universal spring and lightly pull the universal spring end out of the shoe web hole. Hold the universal spring with the tool while removing the brake shoe.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1195814  Size: SH
  1. Apply a thin, light coat of high temperature silicone brake lubricant to the contact surfaces of the right and left brake backing plates.

  2. Object Number: 1195871  Size: SH
  3. Position the hook end (1) of the J 38400 under the universal spring and lightly pull the universal spring end out while installing the trailing brake shoe. Ensure that the universal spring properly engages the brake shoe web hole.

  4. Object Number: 1195872  Size: SH
  5. Position the hook end (1) of the J 38400 under the universal spring and lightly pull the universal spring end out while installing the trailing brake shoe. Ensure that the universal spring properly engages the brake shoe web hole.
  6. Install the park brake cable to the park brake lever on the brake shoe.

  7. Object Number: 890724  Size: SH
  8. Use the J 38400  (1) to spread the top of the brake shoes to install the adjuster assembly (2).

  9. Object Number: 1195804  Size: SH
  10. Install the adjuster actuator lever to the pivot.

  11. Object Number: 1195810  Size: SH
  12. Install the adjuster spring.
  13. Adjust the drum brake system. Refer to Drum Brake Adjustment .

  14. Object Number: 1179727  Size: SH
  15. Install the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
  16. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  17. Lower the vehicle.