Drum Brake Hardware Kit

Replace drum brake hardware kit including springs, adjusters, and hold-down hardware on the rear drum brakes of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Drum brake hardware kit (includes springs, hold-downs, adjusters) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake parts cleaner spray × 1 — Non-chlorinated brake cleaner
• High-temperature brake lubricant × 1 — Silicone-based brake grease

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and place transmission in Park
2. Apply wheel chocks to front wheels
3. Open hood and disconnect 12V battery negative terminal to disable regenerative braking and electrical systems
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Verify parking brake is fully released

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove any retaining clips or screws securing the drum to the hub if present. Pull the drum straight off the hub assembly. If drum is stuck due to rust or shoe adjustment, use a rubber mallet to tap around the outer edge. If still stuck, access the adjuster wheel through the backing plate access hole and back off the adjuster to retract the shoes. Note: Wear safety glasses and gloves during this step to protect from brake dust.
2. 2

   Document and clean assembly
   Take detailed photos of the brake assembly from multiple angles showing spring positions, adjuster orientation, and component placement. Spray all components liberally with brake parts cleaner and wipe clean with shop towels. Never use compressed air. Allow components to dry completely before proceeding. Inspect backing plate for damage or excessive wear.
3. 3

   Remove upper return spring
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully remove the upper return spring connecting the tops of the leading and trailing brake shoes. Hook the tool onto the spring end, twist to release tension, and remove from the shoe web. Keep strong control of the spring as it is under high tension. Set aside the old spring.
   ⚠Spring is under extreme tension. Ensure proper grip with brake spring tool before releasing. Spring can slip and cause injury.
4. 4

   Remove hold-down springs and pins
   Using a brake hold-down spring tool, compress and rotate each hold-down spring retainer 90 degrees to align with the slot in the retainer, then release. Remove the retainer, spring, and pin from each brake shoe. There are typically two hold-down assemblies, one for each shoe. Keep track of components for proper reassembly order.
5. 5

   Remove adjuster assembly and lower return spring
   Remove the adjuster lever and spring from the leading shoe. Note the orientation of the adjuster mechanism. Using brake spring pliers, remove the lower return spring connecting the bottoms of the shoes. Carefully remove the adjuster screw assembly, noting which side it came from (left and right are different). Separate the brake shoes from the parking brake strut and spring.
6. 6

   Remove remaining hardware
   Remove the parking brake lever spring and strut. Note the position and orientation of all components. Remove any anti-rattle clips or guides. Set all old hardware aside for comparison with the new kit to ensure completeness.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect backing plate
   Thoroughly clean the backing plate, shoe contact pads, and anchor pin with brake parts cleaner and a wire brush. Inspect backing plate for cracks, damage, or severe corrosion. Check wheel cylinder for fluid leaks - if present, wheel cylinder must be replaced before proceeding. Clean the adjuster screw threads and test for smooth operation. If adjuster is seized or damaged, replace with new unit from kit.
8. 8

   Lubricate contact points
   Apply a thin film of high-temperature silicone brake lubricant to the six shoe contact pads on the backing plate where the shoe webs rest. Also lubricate the threads and socket end of the adjuster screw assembly. Do NOT get any lubricant on the brake shoe friction material or drum braking surface. Wipe off any excess.
9. 9

   Install new hardware on shoes
   Using the opposite side or your photos as reference, install the new hold-down pins through the backing plate from the rear. Position the brake shoes with the parking brake lever assembly. Install the parking brake strut and spring in the correct orientation. Install the new lower return spring between the bottoms of the shoes using brake spring pliers.
10. 10

    Install adjuster mechanism
    Install the adjuster screw assembly between the shoes in the correct orientation (note that left and right sides are typically different - star wheel should be positioned toward the rear). Install the adjuster lever and spring on the leading shoe. Ensure the adjuster lever engages properly with the adjuster star wheel.
11. 11

    Install hold-down springs
    Position each shoe against the backing plate contact pads. Install the hold-down spring, retainer, and pin on each shoe. Using the hold-down spring tool, compress the spring and rotate the retainer 90 degrees to lock in place. Ensure both shoes are properly seated on the anchor pin at the top and in the adjuster at the bottom.
12. 12

    Install upper return spring
    Using brake spring pliers, install the new upper return spring between the tops of the leading and trailing shoes. Hook one end into the shoe web first, then stretch and hook the opposite end. Ensure spring is fully seated in both shoe webs and properly positioned. Verify all components are in their correct positions by comparing to your reference photos or the opposite side.
    ⚠Maintain firm control when stretching and installing the upper return spring. Ensure tool has secure grip before releasing tension.
13. 13

    Adjust brake shoes and install drum
    Using a brake adjusting gauge or spoon through the backing plate adjustment hole, expand the brake shoes until they measure approximately 0.030 inch (0.75 mm) less than the inside diameter of the drum. Clean the inside of the drum with brake cleaner and wipe dry. Install the drum over the shoes - it should slide on with slight drag. If drum will not fit, back off adjuster. Install any drum retaining clips or screws if equipped.
14. 14

    Complete opposite side
    Repeat the entire procedure (steps 1-13) on the opposite rear wheel. It is critical that both sides are completed with identical hardware and adjustment for proper brake balance and vehicle safety.
15. 15

    Install wheels and perform final torque
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground and remove jack stands. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Pump brake pedal slowly several times until firm pedal is achieved before moving vehicle
2. Adjust parking brake if necessary according to service manual procedure
3. Perform final visual inspection through wheel spokes to verify drums are properly installed
4. Do not rely on the first brake application - pump pedal multiple times to set shoes before test drive

Verification

• Pump brake pedal 10-15 times with vehicle stationary - pedal should become firm and maintain consistent height
• Check brake fluid level in reservoir and top off with ACDelco DOT 4 if needed (do not overfill)
• Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) to verify brake operation and proper stopping
• Perform several gentle brake applications to properly seat the new hardware and complete initial adjuster operation
• Listen for abnormal noises during braking - scraping or grinding indicates improper installation
• Verify parking brake holds vehicle on an incline
• After 50-100 miles of normal driving, re-check brake pedal feel and drum adjustment - readjust if necessary
• If brake pedal feels soft, travels too far, or vehicle pulls to one side during braking, do not drive - seek professional inspection immediately

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle