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.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove tire and wheel. 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: 142285  Size: SH
  5. Use the J 38400 in order remove the adjuster spring (1). Disengage the adjuster spring loop from the tab on the adjuster actuator.
  6. 4.1. Remove the loop end of the adjuster spring from the adjuster actuator.
    4.2. Remove the straight end of the adjuster spring from the secondary brake shoe.

    Object Number: 142287  Size: SH
  7. Use the J 38400 in order to remove the return spring (2) from the brake primary brake shoe (1).
  8. Pry the end of the return spring (2) toward the axle using the flat edge of the J 38400 until the return spring (2) snaps off the brake shoe.
  9. Remove the primary brake shoe.
  10. Remove the adjuster actuator from the primary brake shoe.
  11. Remove the adjuster from the secondary brake shoe and the park brake actuator.
  12. Remove the park brake actuator from the secondary brake shoe.

  13. Object Number: 142288  Size: SH
  14. Use the J 38400 in order to remove the return spring (2) from the secondary brake shoe (1).
  15. Pry the end of the return spring toward the axle using the flat edge of the J 38400 until the return spring snaps off the secondary brake shoe.
  16. Remove the secondary brake shoe.
  17. Remove the return spring from the backing plate.
  18. Clean all the parts in clean denatured alcohol.
  19. Inspect all of the brake system components or equivalent approved brake cleaner.
  20. Replace any brake system components that are worn or damaged.
  21. Inspect the wheel cylinder for the following conditions:
  22. • Brake fluid leakage
    • Worn or damaged dust boots
    • Repair or replace as necessary.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 231  Size: SH
  1. Apply approved brake lubricant (or equivalent) to the following areas:
  2. • The six brake shoe contact points on the backing plate
    • The adjuster screw threads
    • The inside diameter of the adjuster socket
  3. Install the return spring to the backing plate.
  4. Install the secondary brake shoe to the backing plate.

  5. Object Number: 142290  Size: SH
  6. Use the J 38400 in order to install the return spring (2) into the secondary brake shoe (1).
  7. Install the park brake actuator to the secondary brake shoe.

  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 secondary brake shoe and the park brake actuator.
  10. Apply approved brake lubricant (or equivalent) to the adjuster actuator/primary brake shoe interface.
  11. Install the adjuster actuator to the primary brake shoe.
  12. Install the primary brake shoe with the adjuster actuator to the backing plate.

  13. Object Number: 142287  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure that the adjuster engages the brake shoe and the adjuster actuator properly.

  14. Use the J 38400 in order to install the return spring (2) into the primary brake shoe (1).

  15. Object Number: 142285  Size: SH

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

  16. Use the J 38400 in order to install the adjuster spring (1).
  17. 11.1. Install the straight end of the adjuster spring into the secondary brake shoe.
    11.2. Install the loop end of the adjuster spring to the adjuster actuator.

    Important: Ensure that the adjuster operates properly.

  18. Move the park brake actuator in order to spread the brake shoes apart. The adjuster actuator tab should move up, forcing the adjuster wheel to rotate.
  19. If the adjuster does not operate properly, remove the adjuster, then reinstall the adjuster again.

  20. Adjust the brake shoes. Refer to Drum Brake Adjustment .
  21. Adjust the park brake cable. Refer to Park Brake Adjustment in Park Brake.
  22. Install the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
  23. Install tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  24. Lower the vehicle.