Drum Brake Adjustment

Special Tools 

CH-21177-A  Drum to Brake Shoe Clearance Gauge

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

WARNING:

Refer to Brake Dust Warning .

1. Ensure the park brake lever is in the fully released position.
2. Remove the front floor console cupholder insert.
Fig 1: Parking Brake Cable Adjusting Nut
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
NOTE:

Use ONLY HAND TOOLS when loosening or tightening the adjusting nut.

3. Using ONLY HAND TOOLS, loosen the adjusting nut (1) completely to the end of the front cable threaded rod.
4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
5. Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
6. Remove the brake drums. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
Fig 2: Measuring Inside Brake Drum Diameter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
7. Position the CH-21177-A  Drum to Brake Shoe Clearance Gauge to the widest point of the brake drum inside diameter.
8. Firmly hand tighten the set screw on the CH-21177-A  Drum to Brake Shoe Clearance Gauge.
Fig 3: Measuring Outside Diameter Of Brake Shoe Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
9. Remove the CH-21177-A  Drum to Brake Shoe Clearance Gauge from the brake drum and position it over the corresponding brake shoe assembly at its widest point.
10. While holding the CH-21177-A  Drum to Brake Shoe Clearance Gauge in position, insert a proper feeler gauge between one side of the CH-21177-A  Drum to Brake Shoe Clearance Gauge , and the corresponding brake shoe lining.
11. Rotate the brake shoe adjuster screw until the brake shoe linings contact the CH-21177-A  Drum to Brake Shoe Clearance Gauge and the feeler gauge. Refer to Drum Brake Component Specifications .
12. Repeat the above steps for the opposite brake drum and brake shoe assembly.
13. Install the brake drums. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
14. Adjust the park brake. Refer to Parking Brake Adjustment (Drum Brake) .
15. Install the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
16. Lower the vehicle.
17. Install the front floor console cupholder insert.