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R Slaughter | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> Drum brake assembly tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Drum brake assembly

Assembly sequence for a "typical" GM drum brake
1966 GM half-ton pickup (Delco Shown, Bendix similar)
The parts pile, excl. park lever and pushrods. NOTE: colors are random paints I had on hand. Not color-coded.
The parts pile, excl. park lever and pushrods. NOTE: colors are random paints I had on hand. Not "color-coded".		 Self adjuster (SA arm) group
Self adjuster (SA arm) group
Adjuster wheel group
Adjuster wheel group		 Where it all goes
Where it all goes
Park brake lever on the cable
Park brake lever on the cable		 Start here: lube park lever pin and wavy washer, install thru rear shoe, add the Jesus clip
Start here: lube park lever pin and wavy washer, install thru rear shoe, add the "Jesus clip"
Lube Starwheel shaft & threads with chassis grease or moly lube; thread the adjuster together but do not tighten
Lube Starwheel shaft & threads with chassis grease or moly lube; thread the adjuster together but do not tighten		 star wheel end goes toward rear shoe. NOTE! Left-hand threaded adjuster screw is for RIGHT (passenger) side brake
star wheel end goes toward rear shoe. NOTE! Left-hand threaded adjuster screw is for RIGHT (passenger) side brake
spread shoes over axle, set against backplate
spread shoes over axle, set against backplate		 put washer & cone spring on nail thru front shoe. Place pushrods in cylinder
put washer & cone spring on "nail" thru front shoe. Place pushrods in cylinder
place strut and spring between shoes. Note position! It is installed in this pic exactly as it is shown in the parts pile above
place strut and spring between shoes. Note position! It is installed in this pic exactly as it is shown in the parts pile above		 Lube contact areas on SA arm and pivot
Lube contact areas on SA arm and pivot
put guide on anchor. place SA arm with pivot on rear shoe with nail, tube washer & straight spring
put guide on anchor. place SA arm with pivot on rear shoe with nail, tube washer & straight spring		 Add actuator link, follow with overide spring from arm to pivot (next pic)
Add actuator link, follow with overide spring from arm to pivot (next pic)
Place return spring under SA arm. note placement of pivot and link
Place return spring under SA arm. note placement of pivot and link		 Press shoes against anchor. Install front shoe return spring to anchor.
Press shoes against anchor. Install front shoe return spring to anchor.
Install rear shoe spring to link as shown
Install rear shoe spring to link as shown

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Steve Olver 02-Jan-2022 19:04
This is going to save me!!!! ThankYou so v v very much from n.e.Wyoming
PoppySummers05-Nov-2021 01:16
thanks, very helpful and fun, this is one of my favorite categories
James Christopherson 24-Sep-2021 00:19
R Slaughter, thank you so much. 1998 GMC K2500 4WD 3/4 ton. I changed out the cylinders. Your photos were a blessing.
keyshia 29-Aug-2021 03:45
first off thanks for such a detailed tutorial and good pictures. Question is it okay for that peg thingy to be poking the brake cylinder rubber part? because I've been searching high and low for a cylinder that doesn't do that
RICKEY MISCO 21-Jun-2021 04:06
Top notch, brilliant, thank you
Guest 20-Jun-2021 02:46
Thank you for taking the time to put this together? Sometimes a video isn't the easiest to follow. This was great!
Don 17-Jun-2020 15:30
Absolute brilliant, thank you for taking the time to create and post!
Guest 11-May-2020 12:12
Very Helpful. Thank you
Guest 01-Apr-2020 15:04
Anyone know where I can get the parking brake lever and parking brake bar w/springs for a 1967 C10?
Guest 30-Mar-2020 19:36
Am replacing brake cylinders and brakes on my 1985 Chevy K10 after discovering a leaking cylinder during State inspection. This picture and color coded piece you have prepared is absolutely the best i have ever had the pleasure of using. Thank you for your excellent guide! Regards, Bo Beasley 3/30/2020
TONY Gould 01-Dec-2018 04:12
Sure a lot of rear drums brakes information on the web. I tore down my 71 C-10 some time ago, and until today I'd never installed brakes. Though I took good notes when I removed everything, I was at a LOSS how to assemble the brakes, where to start etc. You walked me through it and THANK YOU for sharing this.
Guest 06-Jun-2018 23:07
Love this mate
Guest 15-Apr-2018 00:28
All self adjuster pieces were gone when I dove in. Thanks a ton. I just wasn't holding my mouth quite right.
Guest 14-Mar-2017 14:06
DO you have the photo gallery for the 1979 Chevrolet rear brakes
R Slaughter07-Mar-2017 13:34
Robert, the strut spring tang position is of no importance as long as the spring is on the correct end of the strut.It simply doesn't matter whether the spring is oriented tang left or tang right, or on top or bottom. It only matters *where* the spring is, not which way it's pointed.
Robert 15-Feb-2017 15:05
What is the correct position for the "tang" on the "strut spring". The pics are great and very helpful, but this spring tang is shown in conflicting positions.
td 02-Feb-2017 20:24
very nice. needed to replace a blown wheel cylinder. found push rods installed 90 degrees out, strut and spring inside out. it's been about 20 years since i've down drum brakes, retired and need to save money. now all parts are correct and in the correct locations. the individual digitals are very helpful.
thank you, tony
Billy 25-Jan-2017 00:30
Very nice! If anyone wants a word doc with all these images and instructions in one printable document email me at veloce662004@yahoo.com.
Billy
USA68SS 30-Oct-2016 02:58
Thank you for this tutorial. The color coding really helped me with my 68 Chevy. I took pictures but with all the rust it all looks the same. It was hard to distinguish between the smaller parts and their orientation. Really well done thank you!
Daryl 07-Oct-2016 04:14
Thank you very much for such an awesome layout! Very helpful with my '69! Took the old ones apart a year ago and got sidetracked putting it all back together. You have been a lifesaver!
Mike D. 21-Jul-2016 01:35
Very nice detailed pics. This will help me with my parking brake repairs now that I can see the parts still needed.
Kevin 01-Apr-2016 16:06
This was my first solo drum brake job. I couldn't have done it without these pics and info. Thanks.
Guest 13-Mar-2016 21:59
What is the part number for the backing plate? Need one to fit the 11" drum brakes on an '86 k10 with the regular GM 8.5" rear. Thanks!
Waldo Nagel 30-Sep-2015 13:12
The best info for my Chevy Nova 1977 rear drum brakes....

Thanks!
JohnG 14-May-2015 04:18
this is the best help and diagram I have found for working on the rear brakes on my '99 tahoe, I couldnt have done it without this
Guest 23-Apr-2015 16:54
Just another person saying thanks for posting this. Helped a first time drum brake guy put together drums from scratch on a '66 C10.
John 19-Apr-2015 22:25
Wow. Best I've seen, and as a total amateur I've been doing a LOT of searching for brake instructions. The problem is my Chevy truck is a '49, which came with the old style huck brakes. Having no luck finding detailed instructions or a complete hardware list to verify that I actually have all the parts I need for the rear drums (disc kit installed up front). If there's a Bendix/Delco solution that I could go with using my existing backing plate I would do that, but no luck yet finding that answer either. Hoping you might be able to point me in the right direction... Thanks!
robert last 04-Oct-2014 00:09
I have a problem my 2001 GMC Sonoma rear brake shoes do not line up correctly and will not allow me to place the drum over the brake shoes.
Guest 29-Aug-2014 22:36
Does anyone have a diagram for Metropolitan front brakes?
Guest 23-Jul-2014 03:51
Another guy that thank you superb job
and let me finish mine.
Tony 14-Jun-2014 18:47
Adding my thanks to all those already received. This was a great help! Previously, I have struggled with the firstt wheel, and by the end of the second, worked out the sequence, and could do the next one pretty quickly: however, the next brake job occurs so many years later, I have forgotten what to do. This time, it was a breeze although the second wheel seemed to be even easier than the first!
Dave Wellman 27-Apr-2014 16:14
Thanks a lot. I really needed the refresher...I haven't done a brake job in about 20 years, and at 67 my memory seems to playing games with me....BUT with your help, I won! If ever in Cleveland, Ohio look me up ...I owe you at least a dinner. Thanks again.
Hugo 20-Apr-2014 13:51
Thanks for your excellent photo work. Repairing the rear brakes on my '64 Corvair and piece dropped out on the ground. Took pictures before disassembly but of course that particular piece didn't show up. I could identify the PIVOT piece location.
Saved me!!
fourwheeker 10-Mar-2014 04:34
i bought a 72 buick skylark it has drum brakes when i got it it didnt have any brake shoes or drums on it i need to find out if the long or short brake shoe goes in the front or the back
Joe 09-Mar-2014 19:38
I searched all over for photos like these. You have saved me a world of trouble. So clear! Thank you! My brakes had fallen apart in the drum and I couldn't tell what parts, (if any) were missing, or even where everything went. At 32F it's too cold to take apart more than I absolutely have to.
David 15-Dec-2013 12:28
From David

Just wanted to say thanks. Your painting of the parts and pictures are a great help. Keep up the good work.
Karma 13-Sep-2013 23:46
Thanks... This really helped out a lot its been a while since I've dealt with drum brakes at times they can be complicated but it just takes time and patience the pics really helped out a lot
Guest 04-Sep-2013 14:12
67chevellejn@gmail
Guest 04-Sep-2013 02:05
Can you tell me ,would the front be like the rear minus the park lever 67chevelle thanks for site
gt18209-Aug-2013 16:03
Do you have photos for the front Drum brakes.... need help to install the self adjusters for my 66 GTO's Delco-Moraine. Didn't have them when I bought the car 7 years ago. Just found this out while now doing a front brake job.
Woogeroo 08-Jul-2013 17:20
For those of you that are confused, everything on the other side of the vehicle is backwards. You can always buy the manual, but then you'll still have to think backwards as well.
Richard 06-Jul-2013 04:55
Just one thing, you didn't mention: The lining on the front shoe is slightly shorter and thinner that the rear. Other than that the spread is great.
Richard 03-Jul-2013 00:55
Glad I found this, I have an 83 30 series apart. Your spread will be very helpful.
Ross 20-Jun-2013 23:44
Great work and many thanks. Had to do some searching to find all the exact parts.
Ed 19-Jun-2013 20:08
Thank you. No more extra parts at the end of the job.
Sheldon M Christo 03-Jun-2013 00:09
photo of 1982 3500 dually, both sides please
terry 18-May-2013 16:31
both sides would be a great help. passenger side fell apart in drum
terry 18-May-2013 16:30
need a photo of the rear brake shoe diagram for a 2000 chevy 3500 dually
Guest 04-May-2013 20:52
need diagram of right side
Guest 11-Apr-2013 08:18
need help for 58 pontiac bonneville brake cable that goes through the tunnel has loop and spring but has a 3-4 inch rod loop one end and carve other end can someone tell me it goes please
Guest 02-Apr-2013 19:59
Thank You! these pics made it idiot proof Had to fix adjusters on One ton Step van.. Thank you again.
tom 14-Feb-2013 18:26
show me a picture of a metallic 62 set colors and size of the springs front and rear.
Guest 10-Feb-2013 22:12
need it for a 98 and yes memory fading here too
Woogeroo 27-Jan-2013 09:16
still an amazing tech article!

thanks nufsed.
Frank Rizzo 23-Oct-2012 01:10
Excellent!!
Thank You
Guest 11-Oct-2012 21:36
best directions very easy thanks a million my 12yr old helped
dave refuerzo 26-Aug-2012 04:07
59, memory going thanks for pic's Helped a LOT
Guest 15-Jul-2012 21:35
thanks for the info. thank you paul
Guest 04-Jul-2012 06:45
Iv laten the cable lever off and cant put it back on :/ tips?
Guest 13-Jun-2012 02:03
A big Thank You for your instructions, The picture reassembly was great, to the "T", God Bless, Jim
Tom 18-May-2012 09:33
The park brake cable is shown attached on the "Where it all goes" image and on the "Park brake lever on the cable" image.
Guest 02-May-2012 04:15
You are why the internet is great
Guest 10-Apr-2012 18:18
I really appreciate this site. Took 30 mins to reassemble after changing wheel cylinder. Great, especially with the pics.
Guest 31-Mar-2012 20:52
The painted parts were a blessing in seeing how to assemble the rear brake syste. Thank you for taking the time for putting everything together.
Guest 23-Mar-2012 22:11
this was great, but where does the parking brake cable attach?
Guest 16-Mar-2012 13:44
great site! thanks- I have been searching unsucessfully for a day trying to find pictures to help me with my 1968 camaro rear drum brakes- thank you!
Donald J Hosier 29-Feb-2012 21:50
This site is better then great. Pictures are worth 1000 words apply here. thanks so much for your efforts and a great site.
Guest 26-Feb-2012 17:04
Thank you very much I did rear brakes on 99 Gmc. Brakes were locking up. Thanks to your diagram I notice I had a bent actuator spring. replace and took care of all my problems
Guest 22-Feb-2012 17:11
Thank you for this post it was very helpful,and answered some questions I had. Also showed me a missing spring.
Guest 28-Jan-2012 14:20
Thanks so much for taking your time and effort to help us all.
Bill 08-Jan-2012 18:16
Thanks for hosting this sequence. I am working on a '61 Greenbrier which shares brakes with the C10 series. I have upgraded to "self adjusting" by adding the SA arm but did not know how to assemble it until finding your page. Much better than my black & white assembly manual!
Terry 07-Jan-2012 05:07
I am installing rear drum replacement brakes on my 55 hot rod. I have disc on front. Your pictures and advice have been great. One comment, on all info I have read, the secondary brake(with longer pad) has been identified as being the rear shoe, with the shorter pad being the primary and being the front shoe. Your diagram indicates the opposite calling the shoe toward the front of the car as the secondary. Can you clear this up for me? I am about 90% done with first brake installation and having trouble with the springs not attaching to the shoes in a manner that they will hold in place. I brought an entire kit from Ecklers that provided all new springs but it is almost like the hook part of the spring is turned the wrong way and will not grab when I stretch the spring to anchor. Please help. Thank you, Terry Rankin
Guest 12-Nov-2011 16:51
Thank you so much for this thread. It has saved me and my dad a lot of time on figuring out how a previous owner put the brakes back together wrong.
Guest 10-Oct-2011 01:08
Thanx for this site man u saved me a huge headache
Daniel Rodela 09-Sep-2011 23:32
DOR
hey, hey, hey, we learn something every day. Thanks
Guest 14-Aug-2011 20:28
Squeak free for the first time in ten years. Thanks to this post. I'm very happy.
phillip 10-Aug-2011 17:16
i got a 07 silverado i changed the rear shoes on and they sqeel , what can i do?
Guest 03-Aug-2011 20:17
Man THANX!!! I can download images & zoom in. thank you for takin ur time to do ths.
Guest 12-Jul-2011 16:39
Thank you, very, very helpful, great job. This puts a repair manual to shame.
Jim 24-May-2011 14:54
Very Nice! Certainly helped me out.
Mike 07-Mar-2011 04:55
THANK YOU!!! WOW
Mike Hubbert 08-Feb-2011 00:42
These pictures are very helpful. Would you post pictures for the right rear assembly as well? Thanks
crysthian 01-Nov-2010 00:21
hello, I am a new owner of a 1969 c10 suburban, and I am replacing the rear brakes; but I am having trouble finding the right parts. I was wondering where was it that you bought that parts for your truck. I tried different autoparts( autozone, o'reilly and napa)
Edwin 24-Oct-2010 04:47
Working on a 1985 C10 "Silverado" and your diagram was very helpful and the only detailed description on the entire world wide web. Thanks! "CatchMe"
Tony McCoy 27-Sep-2010 02:17
i fprgot to mention it says here you were showing the assy. for mid to late 60s models. this assy is the same on a 1993 chevy conversion van as well so it covers many years as well
Tony McCoy 27-Sep-2010 02:14
I must say that is the best parts assy demastration i have seen you. I must thank you again and again , now if we only can get the repair books to be that descriptivelol, again great job it really helped me out
Guest 28-Aug-2010 03:49
Thanks a lot. I just tore down my 1972 C10 Rear Drum Brakes and was digging through the
Service Manual for info on reinstalling all the pieces. This will save me a lot of time.
Very well done.
Weldman 27-Aug-2010 17:14
Best layout and info available that I've ever come across.
Nicely done! THANKS!
JR 04-Jun-2010 00:45
Worked for my 1999 GMC Suburban 4x4 saved me time and money thx!
Jonathan 01-May-2010 19:01
this is more helpful than my 78 camaro Haynes manual, tried to read the instructions then tried to remove 2 parts and the whole assembly fell in my lap! talk about sorting through a jigsaw!LOL Thanks abunch!
Guest 20-Apr-2010 02:35
i would like to say this is an awesome post. the pics practically puts it together for you great job man
Guest 14-Apr-2010 21:37
I put everything together but did not remember which way the strut spring went on. All I can say is Thank you. My 1972 Chevy truck is one my Dad bought new and now I have it now and want to someday pass it on to my son. Thanks again!
juggalodad@tmail.com 31-Mar-2010 18:26
P.s. Thank you for showing the pictures for guys like me, I am rebuilding the whole rear end on my truck,and whould have been lost in this step. Thanks again
juggalodad@tmail.com 31-Mar-2010 18:23
Do anyone know any tricks to get your drum back over the brakes?? I have adjusted the screw adjuster all the way in and still cannot get it back on!! I've tried everything I could think of. Thanks
Guest 26-Mar-2010 20:40
Thanks much!! I had completed the job on one side of my 99 Suburban and found an extra spring on the floor. It wasn't obvious at all as to where it came from, but from viewing your pictures, I could see it belonged on the self adjuster. You saved me alot of time and having to disassemble the other side to have a reference!
Guest 12-Mar-2010 13:52
Thanks for posting this. Have a '69 Chevy C-10,and I would have been lost without these great instuctions.THANKS.
Guest 11-Mar-2010 23:19
same guest as the previous comment, just wanted to say the car i have is a 1970 PONTIAC GTO, just letting y'all know this in case you're doubtful if these pics would match a car similar to mine. again, AWESOME job with the pictorial.
Guest 11-Mar-2010 20:24
thank you for this. i put this together in a much quicker time than without these pictures. very good job mate.
Guest 08-Feb-2010 19:50
This is better than my 1967 Buick service manual. Thanks!!
Al 26-Dec-2009 22:14
I have always HATED doing drum brakes. These pictures made it easy! thank you so much.
Guest 18-Dec-2009 17:12
thank you very much this is what i was lokking for
jim 10-Dec-2009 17:55
Very helpful much better than anything I have in books
epcgto 08-Aug-2009 23:42
Thank you very much, this is perfect !!!!!
Guest 26-Jul-2009 04:58
Is this the same set up for a 3/4 ton Eaton with leafs?
Guest 03-Jun-2009 21:16
pull hard it comes easy
Guest 31-May-2009 23:28
thanks this is very helpful but i have a blown cylinder are their any tricks to replacing this? I cant seem to get it loose from the backing plate.
Robert 16-Apr-2009 22:53
Nearly identical to my 1999 Chevy Tahoe Z71 5.7 Type R (VIN #) truck. Really helps if you need a great step-by-step for reassembling drum brakes. Thanks for taking the time to take pics and lay it out so clearly.
John Henry 24-Jan-2009 01:17
Just what we needed, THANKS and keep up the good work
Guest 05-Sep-2008 21:57
Just what I needed. Thanks for taking the time. My regards!
Guest 05-Aug-2008 23:49
Great pics. Got it done. Bought a spring kit and it had other stuff you didn't show. I'll ask around about the extra stuff, but even if I have to redo it, I know how now. Thanks for taking the time to write up the instructions.
Don 27-Jun-2008 03:30
need to know how to do rear brakes on 2000 pontiac montana
only hardware is a C sping
tony 26-May-2008 00:46
Hey, does the automatic clicker arm always tend to be on the rear shoe. I am assembling a 71 camaro and thought the orig was on the front shoe. thanks, this is a very helpful posting.
Bear 06-May-2008 04:27
Just wanted to say that you are the man. Found these instructions through google search and it was exactly what I needed. Saved tons of time.
Guest 03-May-2008 20:51
Nice work. Thanks a bunch
John 27-Mar-2008 01:58
Awsome, well explained and the pics are great!! Thank You
wes 26-Mar-2008 03:08
you are the best! Thanks you saved me alot of time.
isaac 13-Mar-2008 15:17
thanks you are the greatest too many parts going in a small place but your pics stepped me right through it
Jack 25-Feb-2008 22:59
Could not be any easier. Thanks. Any other auto related topics?
Guest 24-Jan-2008 01:30
Pictures worked for my 97 suburban, thanks for the help
Guest 14-Jan-2008 19:52
I pray and you show up. Thanks so verrrry much.
Dave 22-Oct-2007 00:56
Thank you for an excellent pictorial assembly. It has really helped me a lot!
Guest 17-Sep-2007 19:15
Thanks for a superb pic-show. now I can get my brakes in order. Finally
click on thumbnails for full image