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 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 in General Information.
  2. Remove the rear wheel and tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .

  4. Object Number: 718440  Size: SH

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

  5. Remove the adjuster spring (3). Disengage the adjuster spring hook end from the tab on the adjuster actuator (1).

  6. Object Number: 779831  Size: SH
  7. Use the J 38400  (1) in order to spread the brake shoes apart.
  8. Remove the adjuster actuator lever (2).
  9. Remove the adjuster actuator lever from the brake shoe.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 779831  Size: SH
  1. Install the adjuster actuator lever to the brake shoe.
  2. Use the J 38400  (1) in order to spread the brake shoes apart.

  3. Object Number: 178990  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure that the adjuster (2) engages the brake shoes (4 and 5), the park brake actuator (3), and the adjuster actuator (1) properly.

  4. Install the adjuster.

  5. Object Number: 718440  Size: SH

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

  6. Install the adjuster spring (3).
  7. 4.1. Install the straight end of the adjuster spring into the brake shoe.
    4.2. Install the hook end of the adjuster spring to the adjuster actuator lever (1).
  8. Adjust the rear drum brakes. Refer to Drum Brake Adjustment .
  9. Install the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
  10. Install the rear wheel and tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  11. Lower the vehicle.