GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

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

Caution: Keep fingers away from rear brake shoe springs to prevent fingers from being pinched between spring and shoe web or spring and backing plate.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .

  3. Object Number: 695644  Size: SH

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

  4. Disengage the adjuster spring hook end from the tab on the adjuster actuator (1).
  5. Remove the straight end of the adjuster spring from the brake shoe.
  6. Remove the adjuster actuator from the brake shoe.
  7. Remove the return spring (7) from the brake shoes.
  8. Remove the park brake cable (6) from the park brake actuator lever (5).
  9. Remove the brake shoe hold-down springs and retainers (4) from the brake shoes.
  10. Remove the adjuster from the brake shoes and the park brake actuator lever (2).
  11. Remove the horseshoe clip retaining the park brake actuator lever to the brake shoe.
  12. Remove the park brake actuator lever and wave washer from the brake shoe.
  13. Clean all of the drum brake system components with denatured alcohol.
  14. Inspect all of the drum brake system components. Refer to Drum Brake Hardware Inspection and Drum Brake Adjusting Hardware Inspection .
  15. Replace drum brake system components as necessary.
  16. Inspect the wheel cylinder for the following conditions:
  17. • Brake fluid leakage
    • Worn or damaged dust boots
  18. Replace damaged or leaking wheel cylinders as necessary. Refer to Wheel Cylinder Replacement .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 231  Size: SH
  1. Apply a thin, light coat of high temperature, silicone brake lubricant to the following areas:
  2. • The brake shoe contact points on the backing plate
    • The adjuster screw threads
    • The inside diameter of the adjuster socket

    Object Number: 695644  Size: SH
  3. Install the park brake actuator lever (5) to the lever pivot pin.
  4. Install the horseshoe clip to the park brake actuator lever pivot pin.
  5. Install the brake shoes to the brake backing plate.
  6. Install the brake shoe hold-down pins, springs and retainers (4) to the brake shoes.
  7. Install the park brake cable (6) to the park brake actuator lever.

  8. Object Number: 178990  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure that the adjuster (2) engages the brake shoe (4) and the park brake actuator (3) properly.

  9. Install the adjuster screw to the brake shoe and the park brake actuator.
  10. Apply a thin, light coat of high temperature, silicone brake lubricant to the adjuster actuator/brake shoe interface.
  11. Install the adjuster actuator (1) to the brake shoe.

  12. Object Number: 695644  Size: SH

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

  13. Install the straight end of the adjuster spring (3) to the brake shoe.
  14. Install the adjuster spring hook end to the tab on the adjuster actuator (1).
  15. Install the return spring (7) to the brake shoes.
  16. Important: Ensure that the adjuster operates properly.

  17. Move the park brake actuator lever (5) in order to spread the brake shoes apart. The adjuster actuator lever should move downward, then upward as the park brake actuator lever is released, forcing the adjuster wheel to rotate.
  18. If the adjuster does not operate properly, remove then reinstall the adjuster.

  19. Adjust the brake shoes. Refer to Drum Brake Adjustment .
  20. Adjust the park brake cable. Refer to Park Brake Adjustment .
  21. Install the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
  22. Lower the vehicle.