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.


    Object Number: 1505818  Size: SH
  1. Remove the rear brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
  2. Using denatured alcohol, clean the rear brake shoes.

  3. Object Number: 1505830  Size: SH
  4. Remove the adjuster spring.

  5. Object Number: 1505832  Size: SH
  6. Remove the brake adjuster lever.

  7. Object Number: 1505827  Size: SH
  8. Remove the adjuster assembly.

  9. Object Number: 1505834  Size: SH
  10. Using a pair of channel locks, remove the retractor spring from the secondary brake shoe.
  11. Remove the secondary brake shoe from the backing plate.

  12. Object Number: 1505835  Size: SH
  13. Using a pair of channel locks, remove the retractor spring from the primary brake shoe.
  14. Remove the primary brake shoe from the backing plate.

  15. Object Number: 1505836  Size: SH
  16. Remove the return spring.

  17. Object Number: 1505839  Size: SH
  18. Using a small flat-blade screwdriver, press the lock tab for the park brake cable.

  19. Object Number: 1505840  Size: SH
  20. Hold the lock tab in place.
  21. Important: Pushing forward on the park brake cable will unlock the cable from the retainer allowing the cable to be removed from the park brake lever.

  22. Push the park brake cable forward.

  23. Object Number: 1505841  Size: SH

    Important: When removing the park brake cable from the lever, the park brake return spring will remain attached to the lever. DO NOT remove the return spring from the lever. If the return spring becomes separated from the lever, replace the rear brake shoes. The lever is part of the brake shoe assembly.

  24. Remove the park brake cable from the lever.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1505837  Size: SH
  1. Apply a small amount of high temperature silicone grease or equivalent to the contact areas between the rear brake shoes and the backing plate.

  2. Object Number: 1505841  Size: SH

    Important: When installing the park brake cable into the lever, a snap or clip should be felt or heard. This will indicate that the park brake cable is properly in seated in the lever.

  3. Install the park brake cable in the lever.

  4. Object Number: 1505836  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure that the retractor spring is properly seated in the retaining bracket at the bottom of the backing plate.

  5. Install the retractor spring on the backing plate.

  6. Object Number: 1505834  Size: SH
  7. Using a pair of channel locks, install the retractor spring in the primary brake shoe.

  8. Object Number: 1505835  Size: SH
  9. Install the secondary brake shoe on the backing plate.
  10. Important: In the following service procedure, the retractor spring can be installed by the use of either the special tool called out or by the use or a pair of channel locks.

  11. Using the J 38400 or equivalent, install the retractor spring in the secondary brake shoe.

  12. Object Number: 1505827  Size: SH
  13. Install the adjuster assembly.

  14. Object Number: 1505832  Size: SH
  15. Install the brake adjuster lever.

  16. Object Number: 1505830  Size: SH
  17. Install the adjuster spring.
  18. Adjust the rear brake shoe clearance. Refer to Drum Brake Adjustment .

  19. Object Number: 1505818  Size: SH
  20. Install the rear brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .