How to Replace Brake Drum 95-02 Pontiac Sunfire

Difficulty: Intermediate · About 75 min · Pontiac Sunfire

Replace rear drum brake shoes and hardware on a 1995–2002 Pontiac Sunfire, using the opposite side as a reference and checking shoe adjustment before driving.

Steps

1. Raise the vehicle and remove the wheel

   Chock the front wheels, raise and support the rear securely, then remove the wheel. Keep the other side assembled as a reference for the spring layout.

2. Remove the drum and inspect the shoes

   Pull the drum off the hub, tapping gently if rust holds it. Inspect the shoe lining and wear indicators, and check for fluid contamination before proceeding.

3. Remove the old shoe hardware

   Photograph the springs and adjuster arrangement. Release the return springs, retainers, adjuster lever, and parking-brake cable, then remove the shoes.

4. Install the new shoes and hardware

   Transfer the parking-brake lever to the replacement shoe and secure it. Position both shoes, reconnect the cable, and reinstall the adjuster, springs, and retainers in the original arrangement.

5. Clean and refit the drum

   Clean the brake assembly with brake cleaner or suitable solvent and allow it to dry. Install the drum and adjust the shoes so the drum turns with slight, even resistance.

6. Reinstall the wheel and test

   Refit the wheel and tighten lug nuts to the vehicle's specification. Pump the brake pedal until firm, test the parking brake, and make a cautious low-speed brake check.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.