GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 21177-A Drum to Brake Shoe Clearance Gage
    • J 38400 Brake Shoe Spanner & Spring Remover

Removal Procedure

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


    Object Number: 1254558  Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the rear brake drum assembly. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
  3. Using denatured alcohol, clean the rear brake shoes.

  4. Object Number: 1254565  Size: SH

    Important: Before removing the brake return spring, adjust the brake shoes to the lowest position. This will reduce the tension on the retractor spring.

  5. Remove the adjuster assembly. Refer to Drum Brake Adjusting Hardware Replacement .

  6. Object Number: 1254627  Size: SH
  7. Using a pair of channel locks, remove the retractor spring from the secondary brake shoe.

  8. Object Number: 1252531  Size: SH
  9. Remove the secondary brake shoe from the backing plate.

  10. Object Number: 1254578  Size: SH
  11. Using a pair of channel locks, remove the retractor spring from the primary brake shoe.

  12. Object Number: 1254576  Size: SH
  13. Remove the primary brake shoe from the backing plate.

  14. Object Number: 1254669  Size: SH
  15. Remove the return spring.

  16. Object Number: 1252505  Size: SH
  17. Using a pocket flat-blade screwdriver, press the lock tab for the park brake cable.

  18. Object Number: 1252509  Size: SH
  19. Hold the lock tab in place.
  20. Important: Pushing forward on the park brake cable will unlock the cable from the retainer allowing the cable to be removed from the park brake lever.

  21. Push the park brake cable forward.

  22. Object Number: 1275962  Size: SH

    Important: When removing the park brake cable from the lever, the park brake return spring will remain attached to the lever. DO NOT remove the return spring from the lever. If the return spring becomes separated from the lever, replace the rear brake shoes. The lever is part of the brake shoe assembly.

  23. Remove the park brake cable from the lever.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 794173  Size: SH
  1. Apply a small amount of high temperature silicone grease or equivalent to the contact areas between the rear brake shoes and the backing plate.

  2. Object Number: 1275962  Size: SH

    Important: When installing the park brake cable into the lever, a snap or clip should be felt or heard. This will indicate that the park brake cable is properly in seated in the lever.

  3. Install the park brake cable in the lever.

  4. Object Number: 1254669  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure that the retractor spring is properly seated in the retaining bracket at the bottom of the backing plate.

  5. Install the retractor spring on the backing plate.

  6. Object Number: 1254578  Size: SH
  7. Using a pair of channel locks, install the retractor spring in the primary brake shoe.

  8. Object Number: 1252531  Size: SH
  9. Install the secondary brake shoe on the backing plate.

  10. Object Number: 1241691  Size: SH

    Important: In the following service procedure, the retractor spring can be installed by the use of either the special tool called out or by the use or a pair of channel locks.

  11. Using the J 38400 (1) or equivalent, install the retractor spring in the secondary brake shoe.

  12. Object Number: 1254565  Size: SH
  13. Install the park brake adjusting hardware. Refer to Drum Brake Adjusting Hardware Replacement .

  14. Object Number: 1241702  Size: SH
  15. Using the J 22364-01 (1), adjust the rear brake shoes.

  16. Object Number: 1254558  Size: SH
  17. Install the rear brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
  18. Lower the vehicle.