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.

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. Object Number: 900061  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not over stretch the adjuster spring. Damage can occur if the spring is over stretched.

  5. Remove the adjuster spring (1). Disengage the adjuster spring hook end from the tab on the adjuster actuator lever, then release the spring from the brake shoe web hole.

  6. Object Number: 900065  Size: SH
  7. Remove the adjuster actuator lever (1) from the pivot.

  8. Object Number: 890724  Size: SH
  9. Using the J 38400  (1), spread the top of the brake shoes apart.
  10. Remove the adjuster assembly (2) from the brake shoes.

  11. Object Number: 890726  Size: SH
  12. Position the hook end of the J 38400  (1) under the universal spring and lightly pull the universal spring end out of the shoe web hole. Hold the universal spring while removing the trailing brake shoe.
  13. Release the park brake cable from the park brake lever on the trailing shoe.

  14. Object Number: 890725  Size: SH
  15. Position the hook end of the J 38400  (1) under the universal spring and lightly pull the universal spring end out of the shoe web hole. Hold the universal spring while removing the leading brake shoe.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 818058  Size: SH
  1. Measure the brake shoe lining thickness.
  2. Specification
    Brake Shoe Lining Minimum Thickness: 0.5 mm (0.020 in).

  3. If the brake shoe lining thickness is at or below the minimum specification, replace the brake shoes.

  4. Object Number: 890725  Size: SH
  5. Apply a thin, light coat of high temperature silicone brake lubricant to the brake shoe contact surfaces of the brake backing plate.
  6. Position the hook end of the J 38400  (1) under the universal spring and lightly pull the universal spring end out while installing the leading brake shoe. Ensure that the universal spring engages the brake shoe web hole.

  7. Object Number: 890726  Size: SH
  8. Install the park brake cable to the park brake lever on the trailing brake shoe.
  9. Position the hook end of the J 38400  (1) 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.

  10. Object Number: 890724  Size: SH
  11. Using the J 38400  (1), spread the top of the brake shoes apart.
  12. Install the adjuster assembly (2) to the brake shoes.

  13. Object Number: 900065  Size: SH
  14. Install the adjuster actuator lever (1) to the brake shoe and the adjuster assembly. Ensure that the lever is properly engaged between the adjuster assembly and the brake shoe.

  15. Object Number: 900061  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not over stretch the adjuster spring. Damage can occur if the spring is over stretched.

  16. Install the adjuster spring (1). Ensure that the loop end of the spring fully engages the tab on the actuator lever.
  17. Adjust the drum brakes. Refer to Drum Brake Adjustment .
  18. Install the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
  19. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  20. Lower the vehicle.