2009 - 2011 GM Rear Drum Brakes Rebuild (Chevrolet Cobalt, HHR, & Pontiac G5)

In this DIY repair video we go thru identifying the cause of a rear drum brake noise caused by scoring, and rebuilding both sides of the rear drum brakes as part of an overhaul procedure (new shoes, drums turned, new springs, pins, and cups). The vehicle illustrated is a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt LS sedan. However, this rear drum brake shoe and spring hardware replacement procedure will apply to the Chevy Cobalt, Chevy HHR, or Pontiac G5 per the years this video covers as follows:
2009 - 2011 Chevrolet HHR
2009 - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
2009 Pontiac G5
Earlier model years of these same vehicles will have a very similar rebuild procedure, but do not use these same GM parts.
The eBay and Amazon search links below are paid links, for which I may be compensated and earn a commission, if you choose to buy the parts and tools shown in this video thru them:
GM 25960262 / ACDelco 171-1085 rear drum brake shoe kit: ebay.us/mF2xqQ or amzn.to/3PQ3jdF
GM 25960266 LH rear drum brake spring kit: ebay.us/uYNM8C or amzn.to/46EPVPp
GM 25960265 RH rear drum brake spring kit: ebay.us/SAyNDD or amzn.to/46CyaAs
ACDelco 10-4019 / GM 88862182 silicone brake lubricant: ebay.us/bMW8ub or amzn.to/3D1HSPl
Universal drum brake shoe hold down spring compressor tool: ebay.us/s0drvo or amzn.to/3O23a5G
Fluid film spray: ebay.us/1rlg5A or amzn.to/3XIHOxp
And if I've saved you some $$ here, consider some coins for the coffee tip-jar! ko-fi.com/drshock
2009 2010 2011
Chapters:
0:00 - Problem overview
2:08 - Service manual rebuild procedure
7:52 - Rear brake drum inspection
8:34 - LH side rear drum brake disassembly
16:43 - LH side rear drum brake rebuild
38:01 - RH side rear drum brake differences
#drshock #cobalt #pontiacg5
Disclaimer: DrShock, the alias for the human content creator for this KZbin channel, is not responsible for any damages, injuries, losses, or liabilities associated with any repairs, upgrades, or maintenance performed on yours, or any other, vehicle whatsoever. No warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided within this channel. Viewing and using the “as-is" information of this channel is totally at your own risk. Always wear personal protection equipment and follow appropriate vehicle manufacturer service manual guidelines with original manufacturer parts only when performing any repairs, upgrades, or maintenance upon any vehicle.

[@cameronereaux6872]

I just did my drum brakes and now my parking brake is too lose so does that mean I need to adjust the shoes or just the parking brake itself?

[@DrShock]

Start with the shoes adjustment as that's needed regardless. The system will dial in the shoe to drum clearance further thru the auto adjuster whenever you brake in reverse. If the parking brake is still off, then take a look at that as typically touching that linkage is unnecessary. Be sure you have mounted the parking brake components back together correctly first of course.

[@cameronereaux6872]

Ok thank you

[@orboakin8074]

Great video. I just have one question. How do you know where which adjuster goes? I have a Pontiac g3 2010 and am currently changing the brake drums completely. Does the left-threaded adjuster screw go on the left wheelhub and vice versa? Or is it the opposite?

[@DrShock]

I do one side at a time to avoid confusing parts that are side specific. The service information illustrations can help out if you find yourself in a situation where parts are missing, as can this video which is of a known working and correctly installed setup. The shoe that activates the adjuster works when backing up in reverse, you can watch its operation and see that each adjuster is threaded differently to account for this operation.

[@orboakin8074]

@@DrShock Seriously, thanks again for this. I think I now know what to do and your video and instructions have helped. God bless👍👍

[@eternal7_gaming340]

Hello when i finish both rear wheels do I need to push the brake pedal down like I would if I was changing the front brake pads?

[@DrShock]

After you put the drums back on (and not before) you would test both the regular brake pedal and the parking brake pedal for correct operation.

[@eternal7_gaming340]

Thank you very much great video as well.

[@DrShock]

Thanks, I cannot recall on this older video whether I mentioned it - but you will need to adjust the shoes to drum gap as well to account for new ones not being as worn. The adjuster can be accessed from the rear of the backing plate. There's a cover that pops off in order to do so.

[@eternal7_gaming340]

Are you talking about when you used the brake shoe spoon?

[@DrShock]

Yep

[@tylergaul6273]

A spring puller tool is a nice tool to have as well.

[@bryanschuler9097]

Never heard the hub flange referred to as "overcast" before...