GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 21177-A Drum to Brake Shoe Clearance Gage
    • J 42450-A Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit

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

Important: This procedure must be performed after replacing the brake shoes or whenever the brake shoes have been removed.


    Object Number: 1357504  Size: SH
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the rear tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Disable the park brake cable automatic adjuster. Refer to Parking Brake Cable Adjuster Disabling .
  4. Remove the brake shoe adjuster access plug from the backing plate.
  5. Insert a thin bladed tool (2) through the adjuster access hole in the backing plate until it contacts the adjuster lever (4).
  6. Push the adjuster lever away from the adjuster screw (1).
  7. Using a suitable tool (3), rotate the adjuster screw upward.
  8. Remove the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .

  9. Object Number: 1505822  Size: SH
  10. Using the J 42450-A  (1), clean the mating surface of the rear axle flange.

  11. Object Number: 1241711  Size: SH
  12. Using the J 21177-A  (1), measure the inside diameter of the brake drum.

  13. Object Number: 1505825  Size: SH
  14. With the set screw (1) locked, place the opposite side of the J 21177-A over the brake shoes.
  15. Rotate the brake shoe adjuster screw until the brake shoes just contact the J 21177-A .
  16. Inspect the clearance between the brake shoes and the brake drum.
  17. Specification
    Approximately 0.76 mm (0.030 in)

  18. Install the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
  19. Enable the park brake cable automatic adjuster. Refer to Parking Brake Cable Adjuster Enabling .
  20. If necessary, adjust the park brake cable tension. Refer to Park Brake Adjustment .
  21. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  22. Lower the vehicle.