GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 38400 Brake Shoe Spanner and Spring Remover

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
  4. Important: Be advised to repair one rear drum brake shoe assembly at a time. This enables you to use the other drum brake shoe assembly for visual reference.

  5. Remove the adjuster spring.

  6. Object Number: 779831  Size: SH
  7. Use the J 38400  (1) to spread the top of the brake shoes to remove the adjuster assembly (2) and the adjuster lever from the brake shoe.

  8. Object Number: 783356  Size: SH
  9. 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 brake shoe.

  10. Object Number: 788649  Size: SH
  11. 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 brake shoe.
  12. Disconnect the park brake lever from the brake shoe by removing the retaining clip.

Installation Procedure

  1. Connect the park brake lever to the brake shoe and install the retaining clip.

  2. Object Number: 788649  Size: SH
  3. Position the hook end of the J 38400  (1) under the universal spring and lightly pull the universal spring end out while installing the brake shoe. Ensure that the universal spring properly engages the brake shoe web hole.

  4. Object Number: 783356  Size: SH
  5. Position the hook end of the J 38400  (1) under the universal spring and lightly pull the universal spring end out while installing the brake shoe. Ensure that the universal spring engages the brake shoe web hole.

  6. Object Number: 779831  Size: SH
  7. Use the J 38400  (1) to spread the top of the brake shoes to install the adjuster assembly (2) and the adjuster lever to the brake shoe.
  8. Install the adjuster spring.
  9. Adjust the drum brake system. Refer to Drum Brake Adjustment .
  10. Install the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
  11. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  12. Lower the vehicle.