Brake shoes help??

[lc6888]

Hi,

I am replacing the rear brake shoes on my 1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE. I had at first got everything all replaced but the drum would not fit back on it? I checked with the other side and everything seemed to check out so I took them all apart again, are the new linings too thick? Is there anyway to compress the shoes to fit the drum over them? Or am I just doing something wrong? Any info would be greatly appeciated thanks.


Luke

[rabidpanda69]

I think that they are to thick. You should be able to adjust it so that it pulls them in and you can put the drum on, I'm sorry I'm not exactly sure how to do it

[JoeyK]

Try running your brake adjuster down the smallest it'll go. (It's that little thumbwheel w/ all the little teeth around it , just pull the adjuster finger away from it & run it in.) it will reset back out when you back up. This should bring it in enough to get the drum back on.:)

[lc6888]

Hi and thanks for the replies,

JoeyK, how do you adjust the adjuster, I'm not quite sure what you mean but the adjuster finger, etc. I'm sorry, I'm not a pro at working on my car but I just like working on it by myself.:) I too believe that all I need to do is adjust that part but I just don't know where to begin. It is a 2 part piece and when I disassembled it, both pieces were separated, 1 piece (piece w/ the star wheel) was connected to the leading shoe and the other to the trailing shoe.

Thanks,
Luke

[4kQuad]

The adjuster thing he is talking about.

Looking at the brake system with the drum off.
on either side are the shoes, on top between them is a metal bar that springs cross over and hook around.

On the bottom, there is a thing that goes between the shoes, it is two parts, one part fits in the other. One has threads on it the other part has a small wheel on it, that looks a little medevil with spikes sticking out.

Ok, when you spin the medevil wheel it ajust how far apart the shoes are. The more threads you see on the one part the more the shoes are spread apart, the less threads you see the closer they are. So run it all the way in so you can't see any threads.

The drum should slip on now with some back and forth work. To readjust the brakes, back up for a few feet then hit the brakes hard. That spings that little wheel in there adjusting the shoes back out.

No names were used to protect those who don't know the names of the parts, but can see what is on the car. Looking at the car this should make since to you.

Good Luck.

[lc6888]

Finally figured it out:horay: !!!!!!

It took one good nights sleep and this morning it just hit me how the entire adjuster assy. works! Special thanks to JoeyK and everyone else who replied!! I turned the adjuster down all the way and the drums practically slid back on. while working on the brakes I realized that you really shouldn't turn the adjuster all the way down, instead only turn the adjuster enough to fit the drums back on. This way the brakes are not retracted too much and it requires less adjustment after reassy. I tried the backing up hard method but it didn't seem to adjust quickly enough so I just removed the drums again turned the adjuster wheel the other way to expand the brake shoes a little.

[MetalWarrior]

As a side note, I lift the whole rear end up when doing drum brakes. One side at a time. I can always use the oposite side for reference since it's a mirror image of where the springs etc... go.

[JoeyK]

Oh ya. That's a cardinal rule! NEVER tear both down at once. Forget where something goes & you're hosed!:(

[lc6888]

If you accidentally do take both sides apart and forget how to reassemble it, you can always get a haynes manual too! Even though it is generalized ( I believe the Haynes Grand AM book is the same manual for 4 other models as well) it was designed for the DIY person so it has more pictures and complete step by step instructions for maintenance items. I just don't understand why it didn't teach people to adjust the brakes at the adjuster so that the drums would fit back on after the brake shoe change? Maybe its just common knowledge.:D

[JoeyK]

Does Haynes make a 99+ GA manual???? I've looked everywhere & can't find one. I just assumed they didn't make one for the 99+ GA. If they do, let me know! I'd love to have one!:)

[rixGAphx]

Originally posted by lc6888
I just don't understand why it didn't teach people to adjust the brakes at the adjuster so that the drums would fit back on after the brake shoe change? Maybe its just common knowledge.:D
Because GM is stoopid.

I've been doing drum brakes since '58 (seven years old, 'helping dad' :D )

EVERY American drum I've ever worked on had an 'adjustment slot', about 1/4" high by 1" long, located on the chassis side of the backing plate.
You pop-out the rubber plug, reach in with a flat-blade screw-driver or special 'brake spoon', and adjust the star wheel. Then replace the rubber plug to prevent mud from entering the drum cavity.
So, you install the drum with the shoes in a decently-expanded condition, then fine-tune it with the tire in place.

WHY the GM idiots abandoned the 'adjustment slot' for the GA's (and maybe other vehicles, I dunno) is a mystery.

-Rick

[tenspeed]

Originally posted by rixGAphx
WHY the GM idiots abandoned the 'adjustment slot' for the GA's (and maybe other vehicles, I dunno) is a mystery.

-Rick

I could be that holes and plugs cost money.

When you remove the brake drum, grab your cell phone and take a digital picture.

[2K SE]

there is a Haynes manual. got one for my 2000. covers, I think, 97 to 2000. I had to order it from the parts store.

[lc6888]

The haynes manual covers:

97-00 Chevy Malibus
99 and 2000 GA's
99-?? Aleros
&
dunno what year Olds Achievas

Go to rockauto.com or amazon.com they cost $12-$15 each, a good place for pictures and references

luke