Brake Shoe Options

[grandta13]

I'll need to replace my brake shoes soon, and I was wondering if there was any difference or preference between the various brands available.

I have a 95 Century (I know that GM changed the drum assembly at some point, though I'm not sure exactly when).

EDIT: I figure I should also ask whether the shoes from RockAuto come is sets of two or four.

[Keiths1976]

I have a 95 as well . The shoes comes as a set for both sides total of 4 . Make sure you grab the hardware package you only need one . Comes with all the replacement parts and springs and hardware . Gm changed the design about 93 to the newer style we have now . It's pretty easy on these cars to change them . One word to the wise I have had aftermarket tension springs break on me and wound up putting the stock springs back in so don't throw them out keep them in a bag in a tool box . It keeps the tension on the shoes to the drums . Hope this helps Keith

[Skip]

Keith, does the '95 still have the GM Single Spring rear brake system on it? Mine does and it can be a challenge to service without the right tools.

[Keiths1976]

This the 95 rear drum set up Eddie

[Skip]

Yup, that's the same as mine Keith. Man, I busted my fingers and Knuckles something awful the first time I did brakes on that car. I did it with a screw driver the first time and I never should have done that because I can't walk and chew gum at the same time and I can't do these brakes either that way. LMAO. So I bought the tool for it.

This fella has a pretty good handle on it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JRtdlvG1lI

[Keiths1976]

I used a big pair of channel locks to grab that big tension bar on the side of the hub with the cut out hole and pulled each shoe out Skip I don't have that tool but will purchase it next time lol yea it slips off equals a big swear jar afterwards lmao !

[Skip]

Oh yeah, I used the channel locks too! It just added to the pain. LMAO

[PGuru]

As mentioned above, they normally come as a set of 4 (for both back wheels) so you just need to purchase it once.

In my experience with brake shoes I'd go with Raybestos (Professional). I currently I have Ray's on all corners of my car and have had nothing but good experiences.

[Century7667]

I wonder what the special tool looks like for that big spring. I have a brake tool, but it's for the old style coil springs.....

Ken T.

[grandta13]

I wonder what the special tool looks like for that big spring. I have a brake tool, but it's for the old style coil springs.....

Ken T.

Could this be it? When I had to redo my brake hardware, I just used a flathead screwdriver, based on the recommendation of my Haynes manual and 1A Auto.

[Skip]

Yeah, that's it. Mine is a little different. The one I have is one piece that goes all the way across and does both shoes at the same time. I don't know if they make mine anymore as I've had for at least 16 years.