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 Fluid Irritant Caution in the Preface section.

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

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Clean all dirt and foreign material from the wheel cylinder brake pipe fitting and the bleeder valve.

  4. Object Number: 890712  Size: SH
  5. Remove the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
  6. Remove the brake pipe nut.
  7. Install a cap over the end of the brake pipe in order to prevent brake fluid loss and/or brake fluid contamination.

  8. Object Number: 142296  Size: SH
  9. Remove the wheel cylinder bolts (2).

  10. Object Number: 142285  Size: SH
  11. Use the J 38400 in order to spread the brake shoes apart (1).
  12. Remove the wheel cylinder.
  13. Clean the old sealant from the backing plate where the wheel cylinder was installed. Clean the sealant from the wheel cylinder if you are reusing the wheel cylinder.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 142285  Size: SH
  1. Use the J 38400 in order to spread the brake shoes apart (1).

  2. Object Number: 142296  Size: SH
  3. Install the wheel cylinder .
  4. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  5. Install the wheel cylinder bolts (2).
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

  7. Remove the cap from the brake pipe and install the brake pipe to the wheel cylinder.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 19 N·m (14 lb ft).

  9. Install the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
  10. Bleed the hydraulic brake system at the wheel cylinder. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding .
  11. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  12. Lower the vehicle.