replacing shoes on drums

[Dodge1063]

Hey I have been trying to replace my rear shoes on my 98 lumina. I wanted to ask on the shoe that has the emergency brake connected to the arm. Does it get tucked behind the shoe or does it sit aside the shoe? I am having difficulty trying to get it back to the way it was. I saw there is a dimple or indentation on the plate behind the shoes. I think the emergency cable is suppose to tucked in the dimple and put the shoe over it.

Can anyone confirm this. I got both sides on but it does not look anything near what i took a picture of it. This is what makes me think I may have to take it apart to get it right.

[Blue Bowtie]

This is a '96:

[Dodge1063]

Hey blue bowtie thanks for the pic. I have to say its helped me get more idea to diagnose my problem. My drum is setup a little differently than yours. I got a wire that hooks up to the rear shoe and runs all the to the left shoe. I have to say its a simple design but i swear i wish i had rotors instead..

Thanks again man, I am still trying to figure it out

[dwalmop]

Haha! I bet you won't take both sides apart at the same time any more. It sounded like you were on the right track from your original post.

[Dodge1063]

[Dodge1063]

Yea drums are not really that big of a deal. What got me was the way the emergency cable had a kink and was rubbing against the back wheel bearing every time it turned. I should have got wire cutters and pulled back the springy mesh to get the emergency cable to sit better in the emergency arm of the drum. The only thing i didn't understand is getting the drum to be adusted by the star wheel. I know your supposed to put the drum and off and feel a slight drag when you adjust them. I couldn't tell a difference when i did it. So i went to have it looked at at a repair shop. It only cost $40 for them to look at it, and they were cool about explaining to me where i went wrong.

So lesson learned, if i had to do it again i would just pay attention better next time, or just get a car that has 4 wheel disc brakes. I think i like the second point better

[Bearwulf]

Yep! that last pic is the late '96, also used on later models. Once you get them apart they are easier than the earlier systems.