How to Repair the Drum Brakes on a 2002 Saturn

As your 2002 Saturn ages, you are going to have to do proper maintenance to keep it on the road. While the rear drum brakes in your 2002 Saturn will go out less often than the front disc brakes, from time to time it will be necessary to replace the rear brakes in order for your Saturn to stop. Experienced home mechanics can repair the drum brakes in a series of straightforward steps.

Instructions

1

Raise the rear end of your 2002 Saturn using a floor jack. Different models of Saturns will have different preferred methods for lifting the car, though the rear frame is common. Check your owner's manual for specifics.

2

Place jack stands underneath the Saturn.

3

Remove the lug nuts from the tire using a fourway or a tire iron, then slide the tires forward and off the car.

4

Pull the brake drum off. It is designed to be pulled forward and off, but due to rust and use you most likely will have to pry it off with a screwdriver or crowbar.

5

Remove the two pins from the caliper using your socket set.

6

Remove the caliper by hand, making sure to not let it hang by the brake line.

7

Pop the brake pads out by hand.

8

Rotate the caliper piston to the bottom of its bore using a piston driver tool. Do not use the C-clamp method common for forcing the piston down on the front brake calipers due to the fact the piston on the back needs to be rotated down, not just forced.

9

Install the new brake pads by hand.

10

Reassemble by following these directions in reverse.