How to Change Cavalier Brake Shoes

The Chevy Cavalier uses rear brake shoes instead of a caliper and brake pad design for the rear wheels. Brake drums are easier to maintain than caliper assemblies, but they do not have the clamping force that brake calipers have. This is because brake drum and shoes use a design where the shoe pushes against the brake drum assembly to slow the vehicle down. Over time, the shoes wear down and need to be replaced. When this happens, you need to change the brake shoes.

Instructions

1

Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts by turning the tire wrench an eighth of a turn counterclockwise.

2

Jack up the rear of the Cavalier using the rear jack point behind the trunk.

3

Finish removing the lug nuts from the wheel and remove the wheel from the wheel hub assembly by pulling it straight off.

4

Hit the outer drum with a hammer to knock the rust and corrosion loose and then pull the drum off.

5

Remove the return spring for each of the brake shoe using a brake spring removal tool.

6

Hold the retainer pin from behind the wheel hub assembly, and place the brake shoe removal tool over the retainer clip. Press the tool in and then turn the tool counterclockwise to remove the spring and retainer.

7

Remove the brake shoes (they should come right off).

8

Spray all of the brake parts down with brake parts cleaner.

9

Install the new pads. Installation is the reverse of removal.