How to Adjust 2000 Saturn Rear Drum Brakes

Year 2000 Saturn vehicles are equipped with self-adjusting rear drum brakes. But if you want to make sure your Saturn's brakes operate to their maximum efficiency, you need to manually adjust the brake shoes from time to time. The self-adjusting mechanism only works when the parking brake is applied after putting the vehicle in park. As you use your brakes, they will wear down a bit, causing a little space between the drum and the brake shoes. If you routinely adjust your rear drum brakes, you will keep the brakes in top condition longer.

Instructions

1

Release the parking brake. Put one wooden wedge behind each of the vehicle's front wheels to keep the car from rolling while you work on it.

2

Jack up the rear of the car using the floor jack until the wheels are off the ground.

3

Slide jack stands under the control arm next to each wheel, then lower the jack a little until the car is sitting firmly on the jack stands.

4

Take off the lug nuts using the lug wrench. Remove the wheel, and set it aside out of the way along with the lug nuts.

5

Remove the brake drums by twisting them off in a clockwise direction. If they are rusted on, strike with a hammer, twist a quarter-turn, then strike again.

6

Find the self-adjuster underneath the wheel cylinder. It is shaped like a star. Spread open the shoes a little by turning the self-adjuster, then slide the drums back onto the shoes. If the drum slides on easily, then you know the brakes are adjusted correctly.

7

Return the wheels to the car, and tighten the lug nuts hand-tight. Using the floor jack, lift up the car, and slide the jack stands out of the way. Lower the car to the ground. Engage the parking brake. The parking brake handle should only move a maximum of six clicks.

8

Retighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench, and remove the wooden wedges from behind the tires.