Whenever the brake shoes are replaced, the retractor and hold-down springs should also be replaced due to the continuous heating and cooling cycle that causes the springs to lose tension over time, potentially allowing the shoes to drag on the drum and wear faster than normal. When replacing the rear brake shoes, use only high-quality nationally recognized brand-name parts. Begin by loosening the wheel lug nuts, raising the rear of the vehicle, and securely supporting it on jack stands while blocking the front wheels to prevent rolling. Release the parking brake and remove the wheel, ensuring that all four rear brake shoes are replaced simultaneously while working on one brake assembly at a time to avoid mixing parts. To retract the brake shoes on Samurai models, disconnect the parking brake cable and remove the stopper plate, then unhook the long return spring from the front brake shoe and the short return spring. For the rear shoe, push in on the hold-down spring, turn it 90 degrees, and release it, unhooking the rear shoe from the brake strut rod and the shoe return spring from the front brake shoe. On Sidekick/X-90/Nitara and Tracker models, pull the parking brake cable out of the parking brake lever and separate the parking brake lever from the rear shoe. Connect the shoe return spring to both shoes, ensuring the spring and shoe are installed behind the anchor plate, then hook the rear shoe to the brake strut and install the hold-down spring, attaching the long and short return springs to both shoes. If the brake drum does not fit after replacing the shoes, retract the shoes by using a screwdriver to push in the ratchet. If the drum cannot be easily removed, ensure the parking brake is fully released, apply penetrating oil at the hub-to-drum joint, allow it to soak, and attempt to pull the drum off. If necessary, retract the brake shoes again. Before reinstalling the drum, check for cracks, score marks, deep scratches, and hard spots, which may require the drum to be taken to an automotive machine shop for resurfacing. If resurfacing is not an option due to excessive wear, new drums will be needed. At a minimum, remove any glazing with medium-grit emery cloth. Install the brake drum on the axle flange, mount the wheel, install the lug nuts, and lower the vehicle. Make several forward and reverse stops to adjust the brakes until satisfactory pedal action is achieved, and check brake operation before driving in traffic.
Posted by GMPartsGiant Specialist