Drum Brake Hardware Kit

Replace the rear drum brake hardware kit including springs, adjusters, and related components to restore proper brake operation and prevent noise or performance issues.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear drum brake hardware kit (includes springs, adjusters, pins, clips) × 2 — Use OEM or quality aftermarket kit specific to drum brake model
• Brake shoes (if worn or contaminated) × 1 — Check thickness before starting
• Wheel cylinder (if leaking) × 1 — Inspect before reassembly

Fluids

• ACDelco DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-designated lift points on rear axle
5. Support vehicle with jack stands rated for vehicle weight placed under frame rails or axle tubes
6. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
7. Verify vehicle is stable before proceeding
8. Put on gloves rated for brake dust exposure
9. Take multiple photos of drum brake assembly from different angles before disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Release parking brake. If drum is stuck, back off the adjuster by inserting a flat screwdriver through the adjustment slot in the backing plate and pushing the adjuster lever away while rotating the adjuster star wheel with another screwdriver. Pull drum off by hand or use light taps with rubber mallet around the outer edge if stuck due to rust. If drum will not release, spray penetrating oil around the center hub and allow to soak 10-15 minutes. Never force the drum with excessive force as this can damage the backing plate or bearings.
   ⚠Inspect drum interior for fluid contamination or deep grooves. Contaminated or severely worn drums may indicate wheel cylinder or seal failure requiring additional service.
2. 2

   Clean and inspect brake assembly
   Spray entire brake assembly thoroughly with brake parts cleaner, allowing the solvent to wash dust and debris into a collection pan. Never use compressed air. Inspect wheel cylinder for fluid leaks at dust boots - any wetness indicates failure requiring replacement. Check brake shoe thickness (minimum 1/16" above rivet heads). Inspect backing plate for cracks or damage. Measure drum inside diameter if micrometer available - maximum diameter is stamped on drum exterior.
   ⚠️If wheel cylinder shows any sign of leakage, it must be replaced and system must be bled. Do not attempt to reuse leaking wheel cylinders.
3. 3

   Remove hold-down springs and pins
   Using brake spring pliers or hold-down spring tool, compress each hold-down spring while rotating the spring retainer 90 degrees to align with the slot in the pin. Release pressure and remove spring and retainer. Pull hold-down pins out from backside of backing plate. There are two hold-down assemblies per drum - one on each brake shoe. Keep hardware organized and note orientation.
   ⚠Hold-down springs are under tension. Keep fingers clear of spring path when releasing.
4. 4

   Remove return springs
   Using brake return spring tool, carefully unhook the primary return spring (upper spring connecting both shoes at the top near wheel cylinder). Then remove the secondary return spring. Note the exact positioning and which holes the springs attach to - spring positions are critical for proper brake function. On this vehicle, springs typically connect at the anchor pin above the wheel cylinder. Mark or photograph spring positions if uncertain.
   ⚠Return springs are under high tension. Control the spring with the tool and keep hands clear as spring releases.
5. 5

   Disconnect parking brake cable and remove shoes
   Lift up on the parking brake lever to create slack in the cable. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the parking brake lever on the rear (secondary) shoe. Remove the adjuster spring connecting the two shoes. Remove the adjuster screw assembly by spreading shoes slightly apart. Note which end of adjuster faces forward. Remove both brake shoes from the backing plate. The parking brake lever will remain attached to the secondary shoe.
6. 6

   Remove parking brake lever from old shoe
   The parking brake lever is retained to the secondary shoe by a horseshoe clip or C-clip. Using needle nose pliers, remove the retaining clip from the pivot pin. Remove the parking brake lever and note washer positions. Inspect lever for wear or damage - the pivot point should move freely but without excessive play. Clean the lever with brake cleaner.
7. 7

   Clean backing plate and prepare surfaces
   Wire brush all shoe contact pads on the backing plate (typically 6 raised pads where shoes slide). Clean anchor pin at top and adjusting screw pivot at bottom. Remove any rust, old grease, or debris. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to the six raised shoe contact pads on the backing plate, the anchor pin, and the adjuster screw threads and socket. Do NOT get grease on wheel cylinder or braking surfaces.
   ⚠Use only high-temperature brake grease on contact points. Any grease contamination on brake shoe friction material or drum surface will cause brake failure.
8. 8

   Install parking brake lever on new shoe
   If installing new brake shoes, transfer the parking brake lever to the new secondary (rear) shoe. Position any washers in correct order, install the parking brake lever onto the pivot pin on the shoe, and secure with the horseshoe or C-clip retainer. Verify lever pivots freely. If reusing shoes, clean friction surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner and inspect for contamination, cracks, or uneven wear.
9. 9

   Install new adjuster hardware and springs from kit
   Clean the adjuster screw assembly from the old hardware with brake cleaner and wire brush, or use new adjuster from kit. Lubricate adjuster screw threads lightly with high-temperature brake grease. Install new adjuster spring on the adjuster if included in kit. Position adjuster to match original orientation - typically the star wheel faces the rear of the vehicle and the threaded end faces forward.
10. 10

    Install brake shoes and connect adjuster
    Position the primary shoe (front, without parking brake lever) on the backing plate with the web at the top engaging the wheel cylinder piston. Connect parking brake cable to the parking brake lever on the secondary shoe. Position secondary shoe on backing plate engaging the other wheel cylinder piston. Install the adjuster screw assembly between the shoes at the bottom, ensuring correct orientation. Install new adjuster spring from hardware kit between the two shoes.
    ℹ️Shoes must properly engage both wheel cylinder pistons and rest on the anchor pin at top. Verify positioning before proceeding.
11. 11

    Install new return springs
    Using brake spring tool, install the new primary return spring from the hardware kit, connecting both shoes at the anchor pin (top). Hook one end first, then stretch and hook the opposite end using the spring tool. Install the secondary return spring in the same manner. Verify springs are seated in correct holes and properly positioned. Springs should be tight with no slack.
    ⚠Control spring installation carefully. Do not allow springs to snap into place uncontrolled as this can cause injury or damage components.
12. 12

    Install new hold-down springs and pins
    Insert hold-down pins from backside of backing plate through the shoe webs. Place new hold-down spring and retainer from hardware kit over each pin. Using hold-down spring tool, compress spring while rotating retainer 90 degrees to lock onto pin. Install both hold-down assemblies (one per shoe). Verify shoes are centered on backing plate and move freely when pulled outward.
13. 13

    Adjust brake shoes to drum
    Using adjuster tool or screwdriver through access hole, rotate the adjuster star wheel to expand the shoes until drum slides over shoes with slight drag. The drum should require moderate force to rotate by hand. Back off adjuster 8-10 clicks (approximately 1/2 turn of star wheel) until drum rotates freely with only very slight drag. This provides proper running clearance. Verify parking brake lever returns to rest position and shoes retract fully.
    ℹ️Proper adjustment is critical. Too tight causes dragging and overheating; too loose causes excessive pedal travel and reduced braking.
14. 14

    Install drum and repeat for opposite side
    Clean drum interior with brake cleaner if needed. Slide drum over brake shoe assembly, aligning with wheel studs. If drum does not fit easily, back off adjuster further. Once first wheel is complete and verified, repeat entire process for the opposite rear wheel, using the completed side as reference.
    ⚠Complete both rear wheels before test driving. Uneven brake hardware replacement can cause pulling or uneven braking.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and perform final checks
    Install rear wheels onto studs. Thread lug nuts on by hand until snug. Lower vehicle until wheels just touch ground but suspension is not loaded. Torque lug nuts in star pattern to specification. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. With vehicle still in park or gear, pump brake pedal slowly several times until pedal feels firm - this ensures wheel cylinder pistons are properly positioned. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off with DOT 4 if needed.
    ⚠️Do not drive vehicle until brake pedal is pumped and feels firm. Initial pedal may go to floor until shoes are positioned against wheel cylinder pistons.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify both rear drums rotate freely with only slight drag when spun by hand
2. Confirm parking brake lever returns fully to rest position inside vehicle
3. Check that all tools and parts have been removed from under vehicle
4. Verify no brake fluid leaks are present at wheel cylinders or brake lines
5. Ensure brake fluid reservoir is filled to MAX line with DOT 4 fluid

Verification

• With engine running, pump brake pedal several times and verify firm pedal with no excessive travel - pedal should not go more than halfway to floor
• Test parking brake function - should hold vehicle on incline and release fully
• Perform multiple low-speed brake tests in safe area (10-15 mph stops) to verify even braking with no pulling to either side
• Listen for any unusual brake noise - properly installed hardware should operate silently
• After 50-100 miles, re-check brake adjustment through access hole and verify drums are not overheating after normal driving
• If pedal feels soft, brake pulls to one side, or any unusual symptoms occur, do not drive vehicle - seek professional inspection immediately
• Bedding procedure: Perform 20-30 gentle stops from 30 mph to allow new hardware and shoes to seat properly before aggressive braking

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