How to Tune Up the Rear Brakes on a Saturn S-Series Car

The Saturn S-Series cars were first introduced in 1991, with the SC, SL, and SW. The base model S-Series was equipped with front ventilated disc brakes and rear drum brakes. The rear drum brake system has brake shoes, which press against the drums when the brake pedal is depressed. Tuning up the rear brakes consists of performing a cleaning and adjustment. Cleaning and adjusting the rear brakes at least once a year can help add longevity to the major parts of the brake system, by removing the debris that hinders the rear drum brakes.

Instructions

1

Loosen the rear lug nuts on both sides of the car, using a tire iron. Raise the rear of the Saturn with a jack. Place jack stands beneath both ends of the rear axle housing, just inside the rear wheels. Remove the rear wheel lug nuts, then remove the rear wheels from the car.

2

Remove the small rubber stopper on the lower rear of the brake backing plate, using a flat-head screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver into the hole in the rear of the backing plate and push the teeth of the self-adjusting wheel downward. This will loosen the brake shoes from the brake drums.

3

Remove the brake drum from one side of the Saturn, and set the opening downward to allow excess brake dust to fall out. Inspect the brakes for excess wear. Look at the wheel cylinder at the top center of the brake assembly to ensure there is no moisture on or around the cylinder. If moisture is on the cylinder, the wheel cylinder will need to be replaced.

4

Measure the brake shoes with a tape measure. If the shoes are less than 3/16 inch thick, then replace them. Inspect the springs and hardware for rust or corrosion. If the springs are rusted or corroded, replace them. Measure the inside diameter of the brake drum, in three different places. If the measurement is more than 7-7/8 inches wide, replace the drum.

5

Spray the entire brake assembly with aerosol brake spray. You should use about 1/2 of the can for the brake components. Spray the inside of the brake drum, using the remainder of the can of brake spray.

6

Install the brake drum over the brake shoes. Insert the flat-head screwdriver into the backing plate hole, and turn the self adjuster teeth upward. This motion will tighten the brake shoes against the drum. Attempt to remove the brake drum. The optimal amount of pressure you should have to put on the drums is about 5 pounds. If it requires more pressure to move the drum, back off the adjustment. The opposite is true if the drum moves too easily. Repeat this step until the drum has the proper tension.

7

Repeat Steps 2 through 7 to perform the cleaning and adjustment on the the other drum. Insert both rubber stoppers into the backing plates when you are done, using the handle of the screwdriver to push them in if needed.

8

Install the rear wheels and snug the lug nuts with the tire iron. Raise the Saturn off of the jack stands, and remove the stands from beneath the car. Lower the car to the ground and immediately tighten the lug nuts to 95 foot-pounds of torque with a 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench and socket.