How to Adjust 1999 GMC Sierra Rear Brakes

The rear brake shoes on your GMC Sierra truck need to be positioned so the disc and hub turn freely under normal conditions, but will easily clamp down when you apply the parking brake. The parking brake cable on the 1999 model is self-adjusting, so you can only adjust the brakes at the brake shoe assembly itself. There is a good chance that you'll need to replace the brake shoes instead. You will need to adjust them if you have just replaced the shoes.

Instructions

1

Raise the rear end of the Sierra and support it on jack stands. Remove the rear wheels.

2

Unbolt and remove the brake caliper using your wrench and hang the caliper somewhere secure using a strong wire. Unbolt and remove the caliper mounting bracket and then slip off the brake disc.

3

Turn the adjuster screw wheel at the top of the brake shoe assembly using a screwdriver, then place the disc back on the axle flange and spin it. Do this until the brake shoes begin to drag against the braking surface.

4

Turn the screw in the other direction to back off on the brakes until the shoes just avoids dragging against the surface.

5

Reconnect the caliper mounting bracket and brake caliper to the disc using their mounting bolts.

6

Reconnect the rear wheels and lower the truck off the jack stands once you adjust the brakes on both wheels.