Easy rear drum brake replacement on an 88-98 OBS Chevy 1500

Make sure you add anti seize to the threads of the adjuster, something I thought of after I made this video
Replacing the rear drum brakes on the 1990 GMC C/K1500 GMT400
Part numbers:
Drum Brake Hardware Kit - 18K600
Drum Brake Wheel Cylinder - 18E1235
Driver side Self Adjuster Kit - 119.66005
Passenger side Self Adjuster Kit - 119.66006
Brake Drum - 365-47051
Spring compressor tool - www.amazon.com/dp/B06WGLQG59/...

[@0ptimal]

Like how he skipped right over the by far hardest part. E brake cable reattachment. I'd do that before putting anything else together. Or, if u can manage it, just never unhook it. Using the same part anyways.

[@dakotajohnson7695]

He skipped it because it’s the most annoying part an he was probably cursing an spent 20 mins trying to pry the spring back so he could slip it on. Pain in the az

[@kCI251]

It didn't even look like the parking brake cable was fully engaged lol. Fake

[@Supercharged111]

Agreed. The cable is absolutely miserable and I left it hooked up on the 2nd side. I think it sucks the way it does because the drums are so tiny. It isn't nearly as bad on the 13" drums, I pulled the spring back by hand on my dually. These brakes are a dumb design.

[@Dagrizzb]

Yes. I remember putting so many cursewords into my rear drum when I was fixing it.

[@Santino0560]

No shit I spent 3 hours trying hook that E brake cable I was so pissed

[@jemmas2299]

Note: you do not have to take off the emergency brake spring first....it's way easier if you don't ...thanks for the video!

[@oldbiker9739]

I pulled my axles when I did the rear brakes , glad I did when I removed my rear end cover noticed rear end crown and pinion as well as the center pin was wore out .so I ordered a crown and pinion Eatons tru- trc and installed it , but the side carrier brgs were a different size but did locate them that old 91 short box was wore right out , but this old 70 year old man loves working on old school trucks .

[@melindaortiz9741]

💯

[@jimmiller4951]

Excellent video quality Sir. I was going to farm my 98 Suburban out and yes pay thru the nose because of those springs and now I will do this myself. Thank you for saving me so much money .

[@alangonzalez3078]

Probably one of the cleanest and most detailed video I’ve seen, very much appreciated

[@SuburbanRanch]

Thanks! That’s what we aimed for.

[@jurikoern8602]

@@SuburbanRanch Saved me a lot of time. Thanks!

[@Skeetown231]

Now my real question is would this knowledge transfer to a 1994 Oldsmobile cutlas ciera I have rear drums and cannot find a single video on them so for the most part would most of it be the same for my vehicle compared to this truck

[@josephbragg1162]

It's been a year since I've had to do drum brakes so I almost forgot how to do them and your video just refreshed my memory because I have to do my drum brakes today so thank you for making it so simple. Great video

[@SuburbanRanch]

Make sure you add anti seize to the threads of the adjuster, something I thought of after I made this video

[@musasalh9893]

I took mine apart and notice I didn’t have lever adjuster spring. Will this be a issue ?

[@SuburbanRanch]

@Musa Salh You should have all of the springs shown if you have the same truck

[@JoseRodriguez-oc5xo]

I'm changing My pickup 94 chevy I passed 3 hours trying to figure how until I see your video very easy thanks amigo for joining your skills long life to you

[@greenhorngaming6993]

Very happy I found this series. Im working on a 89 k1500 and all of your videos are a big help.

[@boostboy787]

I ain't do drum brakes in a good while this helped refresh my memory 💯

[@clintharrell2258]

I just replaced my brakes on my 1998 Silverado. It was a nightmare! If only I’d seen your video beforehand. I made so many mistakes! I’ll be re-doing mine now, with the kit containing the new springs, etc. thank you so much for your video!!

[@ndfleet3601]

Every single video of yours that I've watched has been absolutely PERFECTLY spot-on! You've found your niche my man!

[@paulponinski425]

One of the best brake videos I have seen. Excellent job!!

[@user-th7im1fy6z]

I took mine apart last week before seeing this but i also bypassed large spring n took it off in 1 shot...i couldn't get spring off so i took a chance impervising.. now i see your's...i feel really smart now. Finally.. But than again i replace alot figuring it out n just going for it..but im subscribed to you now because we think alot but ur the pro...im soo happy i stumble on to u... Kudos live your simple presentations. .

[@JamesBrown-rm2rd]

by far the very best illustrated, and examples of how to do chevy brake drums, very professional thank you, hope you do more like this JAMES.

[@roberthughes5513]

Fantastic video. Thank you very much. I haven't done drum brakes in 30 years and I really appreciate your great video.

[@jhawkins4412]

I apologize James! I just saw JAMES BROWN AND IMMEDIATELY I THINK OF QUOTE " WOW... I FEEEEELL GOOOOD! 😂 LOL I HOPE YOU GET THIS REACTION a Lot and your a happy person!

[@sejonez]

Really good video, man! You didn't skip any step of the procedure in your video. I will be looking for more of your videos if you have some more...especially for this type of truck. Thumbs up.

[@darrenmatt7347]

Great video. Took the time to clearly explain step by step. Clean and efficient.

[@dano4572]

im putting off the inevitable!!! doing the rear brakes on my 99 4x4 Tahoe!! your video is perfect,,,,thank you ! 5/21/21

[@williamgreer849]

I have a ninety silverado and this is a very nice video on doing the work.Being retired Theres alot of work I can do.All about saving shop time labor,tanx.

[@TheDotmonster]

Thanks for the video! Unfortunately I was not able to duplicate your technique with the pre-assembly because the sheet metal part of the adjuster that keeps the threaded adjuster from loosening kept falling out. I had to walk away for a minute. However, thanks to your video I was able to put my own twist on this job. I didn’t pull off the e-brake cable. That took brute force to get back on. I attached the left side shoe first. Then added the main spring, followed by the adjuster. Then the spring and sheet metal part of the adjuster followed by the bottom spring last. I take comfort in the fact this will probably be my last drum brake rebuild. Lol

[@joshcerasale9502]

Thank you so much for making this video! I inherited my Father In-Laws 1995 K1500 recently, it was his daily driver up until he got sick this past year and passed. I’ve been working on it slowly and did the rear brakes today. Everything went smoothly with the exception of that damn emergency brake spring lol. Great video and thanks again!

[@ronaldcooper7609]

Very detailed and and useful video.. The biggest problem I had was getting the parking brake cable out and then back in

[@justjerry9221]

They skipped that difficult part

[@mattmarshall1698]

You're blind. He shows you in the beginning. Try engaging for once in your life

[@user-zg9xr1rl5m]

​@@mattmarshall1698No need to call someone 'blind' when dealing with drum brakes, or brakes in general! You're the one who needs to engage for once, and realize that everyone may not be as knowledgeable with automotive mechanics as you or I!

[@LiltleT]

great video!! just what I neesed. Trying to save my old tahoe 98. keep it up!

[@JeffreyMillerPA]

Thank you so very much for how clearly you show all the steps.

[@williamcrace1068]

I watched this video and decided that I would be use this procedure to replace my trucks brakes. The removal and reinstallation of the emergency brake cables was a hours long project. To watch your video it would only require a few moments. There has to be a trick that wasn't discussed in the video. Please explain this procedure in detail so others won't spend hours doing this job on the future. Thanks.

[@SuburbanRanch]

@William Crace Yes, we should have filmed that again, the first time we did it the camera got blocked and as you found out it’s not the easiest to do. I believe we did the opposite of install though. What ended up working for you?

[@jemmas2299]

Agreed! ...omg it was heck!

[@tcardinal95]

Really great job!! Helped me a ton!!!

[@noggin1028]

Best video ever made. My hat is off to you sir

[@Andy-ue3dv]

Wish I saw this earlier today. I did it the harder way 😅 great video, thanks for sharing

[@1usArmySniper]

The "harder way" makes you feel like you need a third hand, right? Lol

[@Andy-ue3dv]

@@1usArmySniper lol yeah.

[@dano4572]

I finally figured out how to adjust the rear brakes ( the brakes with the self adjuster on top of the axle) on these crap for brakes, trucks!!!!!!!!! Engine off, in park. Push the parking brake pedal down till it sets. Now, pay attention: pull and hold the parking brake release handle. Now, push down on the parking brake pedal, let it up,,keep holding on the parking handle, push down the parking brake pedal slowly,,,,and do this 5,10,15, times and you will notice the parking brake starting to get higher. Stop. Now feel the foot brake, and notice it's higher, harder, and less mushy!!!!!! The Chevy Un- mush and working brakes fix is here!!!! And now you have rear brakes to boot!!!!!! You are all welcome! Only took me three obs trucks and 20 years!!!!!!

[@dano4572]

@Bryson Shiloh like to hear your results. I've done this procedure a couple more times and the brake pedal now sits up hard and it now squats when I get into the brakes!!!!!!!!!! I JUST PLAIN WORKED FOR ME!!! good luck! let me know,,,please!!

[@dano4572]

@Bryson Shiloh let me know how it goes!!! please

[@oldbiker9739]

thanks for that information ., I was pulling the drums off numerous times setting it up , but I sure will try that , thanks again . also backing up a dozen times slamming the brakes on didn't work either .

[@oldbiker9739]

I did this this morning on my 1991 GMC 1500 and it worked flawlessly ,thankyou sir , now Ill try that on my 2001 S10 , didn't work on the S10 .

[@dano4572]

@@oldbiker9739 by the way,,,i too have a 1991 s10!

[@tnhomestead]

Thanks. Have a 92 silverado been sitting for years, need to redo the brakes.

[@scottd345]

PROFFESIONAL!!!! Spotless shop, tools and parts were staged where they should be. Information was clear, concise and to the point with no distractions. GREAT JOB.

[@deanyanko3326]

A- due to not having a e-clip removal tool. otherwise the best instructive video. after we overcome all the pitfalls stuck hub, leaked fluid all over, seized brake line, breaking off bleeder tossing parts in frustration putting a dent in classic car parked nearby just a little click and clack levity ha-ha thanks a million you make it look easy and waaay inexpensive.

[@FSEVENMAN]

Dude your videos are really well done I appreciate you showing us how to do this stuff. I am the original owner of a 1994 Silverado K1500 and my all original engine and transmission are just about to 500,000 miles. The engine has been flawless, The transmission has exceeded my expectations However it began to slip in 4th gear at 467, 000 miles, So I did have the transmission rebuilt. My actual mileage currently is 496,000 thank you

[@JohnSmith-zm8ty]

Excellent, to the point and easy to comprehend video. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks, great instructional video!

[@ravicroak6142]

Wonderful Video! Awesome work!

[@storage3]

Thank you sir! Can’t wait to do mine on my 1991 1500 GMC

[@jamescole3152]

Ok you are showing me more than the last video. Well done.

[@xxxtooold4disxxx]

This video saved us today...thanks. the hardest part for me was putting the parking brake cable back in the groove...lol

[@nate.martinezzzz]

how’d you do it?

[@danhorn7102]

Great vid. Gonna tackle mine this week.

[@ramerjr1]

Very nice video, thanks a lot cuz I can fix now my truck, very clean work man ! 👍😎🔥

[@ThomasVMan]

I tried this method of assembling the brakes before installing onto the hub. While that part did go well, trying to get the parking brake cable re-installed was impossible for me. I probably spent 45 minutes on the first one trying to get the *&^#$&@ back on, cursing GM, and then walking away. I eventually took everything off and disassembled the components. The first thing I did was try to install the parking brake cable on the arm. With the arm off the hub and free to move around, it was fairly easy to get the cable on. You have the room and the ability to rotate the arm so it's easy to get the cable on. We pulled the spring back from the grommet and attached a vise grip to the cable to hold the spring back. Then it was super easy to install the brake cable into the slot on the arm. It was more difficult to then assemble all of the components than doing them off the vehicle like you showed, but I'll never do it that way again just because it makes getting the parking brake cable back on so difficult. I really like your channel BTW!

[@joshuamcpeek4708]

Loosen the brake cable slack adjuster and the spring won't give you any grief the arm will slip right on

[@ThomasVMan]

@@joshuamcpeek4708 I did that and it was still not doable for me. I have heard that there is a tool to simplify this step however.

[@ronzalabak3583]

Is it possible w appy the p break a bit

[@stoker20]

You're #1 !!!! Not sure I like the grease on the axle flange face centrifugal force could have it of the braking surface??? . The sticking point for me is the drum center ID. Thanks for the very professional vid! Even using Never Seez at least on of my adjusters is frozen when I take things apart. 449K miles and going strong. 89 Silverado.

[@melindaortiz9741]

I seen short bed Silverados with that mileage Great trucks

[@jesusrivera9249]

The best #1, super recommended, perfect explanation.

[@tarawilliams9146]

I done mine the harder way.I made the mistake of taking all of the springs off and It's took me a while to put new springs back in but the wheel cylinder on mine had busted so I just redone it all.I should have watched this first.thank you for the video.Ill be watching It on the next side I have to do tomorrow.ps..thanks for tge help

[@maintsgt3637]

Used to replace my rear brakes on `93 GMC to help with the crossword puzzle. I would add that look at your brake lines for corrosion. Even though I soaked lines overnight in penetrating oil, I still twisted off one side on brake wheel cylinder. I guess i should have known as it was the only one that hadn't been replaced, not to mention being 30 years old with over 300K on it. I made mine but parts store has them pre-made for less than $15.00. Just so other know.

[@juniorpineda4151]

Excellent video i have a 97 chevy 3500 and my brakes stopped working and i saw an oil leak in the rear tire i think its that cylinder my brakes look a bit different than those though it has extra pieces and the metal on the brake pads goes all the way above that cylinder. And behind all that theres barely any room between that back disk thing and the leaf springs i could barely put a socket an ratchet back there to take the bolts that hold the cylinder. Also holy shet those springs on the brakes of my truck are hard to stretch to get then unhooked

[@bigtie28]

This video was awesome 👌

[@wibes-adventures]

Thank you brother for the detailed explanation!

[@austinjohnson8931]

This video was really deeply detailed my dad used to help me with my drum brakes but this has surely helped I have a new rearend carrier fully rebuilt that will arrive tomorrow and I watched your video of that a few times and we’ll I’m gonna take it to my uncle shop where I have access to a lift to attempt mtge install with the help of my courteous uncle

[@ronh8717]

This helped a lot I appreciate it

[@MegaCapri69]

Excellent video. 👍

[@billgilbert2471]

very good instructions. i agree with alan gonzales. best i ever saw. thank you

[@1usArmySniper]

Great video. No nonsense and straight to the point!

[@sithlrd7]

This video helped a lot, I am now fully confident changing them in the future

[@labrd41]

Good information, my grandson and I are struggling through this now. Unfortunately, it appears you never got the adjuster actuator back behind the screw assembly before replacing the drum.

[@MrRoy-rb1je]

Exceptional!

[@craigeasterly243]

Thank you plain and simple

[@felixx2381]

Thanks 🙏 and That springy tool 😭 would of clutched for me ..

[@gentlegiant7037]

Very profesional job and details Thank you very much

[@Mr001DMC]

Great video. Thanks!

[@dano4572]

Finally a video that shows my 1999 Tahoe drum adjuster orientation( not on the bottom like all of the others)!!! Now for the big question:::: how do you adjust the drums while the truck is on the ground??? The old way by backing up and hitting the pedal ,,,,,,??? Or by cycling the parking brake on and off to get the drums to tighten up???? Great, and clear video!!! Thanx. Note: you cheated!!,,,you had another set of hands helping!! Good job!

[@SuburbanRanch]

The brakes are self adjusting, you cannot access the adjuster through the back plate like on most drum brakes. Set the parking brake regularly and they should stay adjusted. Thanks for the great comment!

[@lawdawg2880]

Great video, thank you!

[@denniscoles9461]

You know a mechanic is good when he/she gets done and their shirt is still clean. Great vid. Thank you.

[@SimonViskouski]

Nice video!!!👍👍👍 thanks!

[@DigIntoGaming]

For the parking brake clip, I used needle nose vice grip/locking pliers. You put one side if the Jaws on the inside open end of the clip and the other side of the Jaws on the stud and it should just pop right off.

[@cheezblock4lllll]

ok so you took them rear breaks off like u slide a jacket off my guy that was smooth 🤙

[@johnrhodes101875]

I'm having a good old time with my emergency brake trying to put it back on I wish you would have showed how to do that also I'm working on the driver's side and you're working on the passenger side so I have to keep in mind everything's put back together the opposite way what you didn't note in the video but I picked up on that

[@mattmarshall1698]

He did show you. He used the vice grips to hold the end of the cable then he used a screwdriver to peel back the spring

[@manuelvillegas2506]

@@mattmarshall1698 that was to take it off. The hard part is putting in on still having trouble with it. Any tips?

[@PaintfullGovernor]

Dang those brakes are cleaner than my interior must be nice

[@JamesBrown-rm2rd]

you should do one on how to change a wheel hub assembly on that truck.

[@SuburbanRanch]

That’s on the list just have to finish up some other things.

[@melindaortiz9741]

It's like replacing brakes but u just keep taking things apart CV joint Axle nut is the hardest then hub bolt's

[@1usArmySniper]

Yeah, it'd be a good watch. It's a pretty easy job though, pretty much like Melinda Ortiz says. Four wheel drive is a bit more involved though. It was nice on the '91 and older 4x4 Subs/Blazers (K5) when you needed to change wheel bearings, that's what you did, change/swap and grease new bearings and races. The '88 and up 4x4 pickups (and '92+ Subs) you get to replace the hub assy. these days. I miss sitting out in the carport away from the wife doing ALL DAY maintenance. No grease zerks on the cars now, OEM ball joints aren't serviceable...hmmm. :(

[@SuburbanRanch]

@Edward Strasburg We did the hubs in the front suspension video!

[@AnthonyRayPeters]

Thank you…very helpful

[@mattmarshall1698]

When I go to put the assembly behind the hub the lock tab for the wheel comes off and falls to the ground. The only thing holding me up is that spring

[@Toto-is8ci]

Well, attaching the parking/emergency brake cable is omitted. One of the harder things to install. Jeepers!

[@blazeandcyrus]

great video

[@barryfitzgerald3839]

Great job

[@JamesBrown-rm2rd]

another video that would be awesome would be how to replace door hinges on those hears of trucks.

[@SuburbanRanch]

@James Brown We actually talked about doing that as well haha

[@kenc.9067]

I'd like a video on that!

[@SuburbanRanch]

@Ken C. Here it is. Fixing a sagging door on an 88-98 Chevy 1500 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmbOkIend8d_mqc

[@Jeremy-pz3qt]

It must be nice to work on stuff that has no rust down here in Michigan they're so Rusty you have to get the whole part new like I got two wheel cylinders Rusty so I got to get a whole new rear end wherever you live you're lucky you lucky dog

[@3613jeremy]

A easy trick for installing the hold down springs and pins is to use a 1/4" socket like a 7mm add a 1/4" hand driver or extension as a handle to push it straight on

[@Qusin111]

100% best video out there in you tube land

[@-roejogan-]

Thanks a lot for this man, I did mines no problem by watching you.

[@3613jeremy]

I used to know these brake systems inside and out but that little blue spring at the bottom had me scratching my head

[@ShaqBrown2x]

Best video on KZbin

[@Steve-cs3tt]

When installing the new adjuster I think I seen the same washer the comes from the factory. My question is how should the washer be installed. New or old. Thanks, Steve

[@mattmarshall1698]

I got it. Great video btw

[@markfothebeast]

I can tell by the wheel cylinder that this is a 10" drum brake setup. My 1996 Tahoe has 11" drum brakes and they are different. I'm not sure if 11" is common on an SUV or what but I thought I'd mention it.

[@pwlyons759]

Thank you. 👍 I'm going to get the

[@kylevill42]

How hard would it be to replace drum with disc brakes? Think it would be help your braking problem? Looking forward to following this channel. In the process of looking for a truck to buy.

[@SuburbanRanch]

Wouldn’t be too hard, they sell a nice kit for the conversion. I don’t think it would help with the soft pedal though. Thanks for the support!

[@32zakk]

Smallest parts are always the hardest part of the job. Usually one shim or one small bolt hard to reach makes a 30 min job 45 mins lol

[@ShaggyThaKidd]

my new shoes came with the parking brake pin pressed in the wrong way, and advice on how to get it out? tried punches, hammer and clamps but no luck. Got them in a kit and the hardware included new pins, washers and e clamps like yours but no way to remove the incorrectly installed pin.

[@SuburbanRanch]

@Shaggy I would recommend returning the shoes and getting new ones.

[@Oleblueburban]

Would this be the same for a 1987 1/2 ton 4wd suburban?

[@Defcon666]

Weird how those shoes had cracks with so much thickness left , I usually see cracks when they're down to the rivets.

[@1usArmySniper]

Had to be old, like probably 20 years to have crack in them. I've only seen that in cars that have been parked awhile, typically.

[@brandonbaker9238]

Hey if my adjust is backwards after I follow the steps. What I’m I doing wrong

[@SuburbanRanch]

@Brandon baker The right and left sides have different adjusters. Right side is reverse threaded, perhaps you bought 2 of the same adjuster (left side)? Or have them on the wrong side?

[@rbjones1996]

Video is about 99% complete……..now how in the hell did you get the emergency brake cable back on? Truck has been sitting in the driveway for 4 months because I absolutely cannot get this damn cable back on

[@us7508]

I’m sure there’s a better way, but I used a set of needle nose vise grips. Locked them on the end and used a flathead to push the spring. Still took a lot of almost having it and losing it. Walked away a few mins then slipped right in. Pain in the butt.

[@MrSamBowers]

I wanted to see how you installed that parking brake.

[@jamesbailey7785]

Good Clear vid. I'm all for expediency, Removing the bleeder screw would give U more wrench manuverabilty.

[@Hehakaa]

What’s that tool you used for the pins that come through the backing plate ? And should I bleed the brakes before the job or after? Nice video also, best one I’ve seen

[@SuburbanRanch]

@KyAire Thanks. The tool is a spring compressor (link in the description). Bleed the brakes after the job.

[@JamesBrown-rm2rd]

what size wrench did you use on the break line, and bleeder screw.

[@SuburbanRanch]

@James Brown If I remember correctly, been a minute since we did them, the brake line was 9/16th and the bleeder screw was a 10mm

[@JamesBrown-rm2rd]

@@SuburbanRanch thank you very much

[@asstastic2789]

On my 97 tahoe my adjuster is on the bottom. Weird.

[@joecorrie1]

Great filming an explanation of assembly except for the E brake cable?

[@billyray4716]

I have a 99 obs and the drums look NOTHING like this. Any idea why mine are different?

[@SuburbanRanch]

@Billy Ray these are for an 88-98. They were redesigned for 99 and later.

[@eastloskid5787]

Serious question is there a wheel cylinder on each side or only on the passenger side? Never done drum brakes or opened but this video is great looking foward to doing mine 🔥

[@SuburbanRanch]

@EastlosKid Wheel cylinder on both sides.