OEM 2001 Chevrolet Malibu Brake Shoe

2001 Chevrolet Malibu Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the brake shoes on 2001 Chevrolet Malibu?

  A: The needed tools for replacing brake shoes include a Brake Shoe spanner and spring remover (J38400) and a drum-to-Brake Shoe clearance tool (J21177-A). Raise the vehicle while also removing brake drums but keep your fingers safe from the rear Brake Shoe springs which could pinch you. The Brake Shoe's adjuster spring needs to be dismounted by using j38400 to both separate itself from the adjuster actuator and break free from the Brake Shoe. The j38400 can spread brake shoes before adjuster assembly and adjuster actuator can be removed from the Brake Shoe. The j38400 hook end tool can be used to extract the return spring from the Brake Shoe as you pull or lift it from the backing plate before breaking the shoe loose from its position. Move onto the second Brake Shoe where you shall twist it to extract the park brake cable connected to the lever. Open the Brake Shoe to a vise while you remove both the clip and park brake lever and also remove the return spring from the backing plate. Clean all parts of the adjuster assembly along with the Wheel Cylinder in denatured alcohol while examining for component wear or damage besides inspecting brake fluid leakage and checking for worn dust boots. Use gm p/n 18010908 silicone grease (or equivalent) to coat six Brake Shoe contact areas on the backing plate together with adjuster threads and inside adjuster socket dimensions and holes on the Brake Shoe for adjuster motion and the pin-and-contact attachment on the park brake lever. After installing the parking brake lever with its new clip to the Brake Shoe the technician continues with the return spring and the Parking Brake Cable clip. Attach the Parking Brake Cable to the parking brake lever while positioning the Brake Shoe in place with complete avoidance of fingers near the rear Brake Shoe springs. The j38400 tool enables you to attach the return spring to the Brake Shoe slotted hole before positioning the second Brake Shoe to the backing plate and repeating the spring attachment. Use j38400 to spread the brake shoes while installing the adjuster and actuator onto the Brake Shoe so they fit correctly on the drum. Secure the adjuster spring loop at its correct position on the adjuster actuator through the j38400 toolkit while testing its ability to rest correctly on the star wheel teeth. Move the Brake Shoe while holding the adjuster actuator from below to inspect proper star wheel rotation. The technician should employ j21177-a to measure brake drums as well as brake shoes followed by brake adjustments before reinstalling brake drums and performing vehicle lowering.