Rear brake shoes and drums

2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
175,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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JON SANDOVAL
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I am replacing the rear brake drums and shoes on my car. Before starting the job I consulted several videos on how to do the job and consulted a manual. All the videos and the manual showed the assembly as exactly the same. But upon removing the drums I found a completely different assembly.
Any idea as to why this is and how do I find out how to work on this other type of assembly?

Thanks!
Sep 15, 2016 at 7:58 AM
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HMAC300
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this is just a normal brake setup see pictures for instructions or refer to video under how to repair see this article which is similar to your car although not the same.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-rear-brake-shoes-and-drums
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Feb 25, 2021 at 9:20 AM
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JON SANDOVAL
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Thank you for your reply. After more research I have found that at sometime in the past the previous owner replaced the rear axle with an axle from a Pontiac Sunfire. I am swapping the shoes I purchased from an automotive store for the correct ones. Again, thank you for your help.
Feb 25, 2021 at 9:20 AM
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HMAC300
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maybe these pictures will help this is off a 2005 Sunfire.
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Feb 25, 2021 at 9:20 AM
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JON SANDOVAL
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Thank you so much! That is the exact assembly! What is the name of that special tool for installing the shoes?
Feb 25, 2021 at 9:20 AM
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HMAC300
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they call it a brake shoe spanner and spring remover it is a Kent more tool auto parts will have something like it probably like lisle or one to rent possibly it is not worth it to buy it. you can probably use dykes for the one spring removal and a screwdriver for other.
Feb 25, 2021 at 9:20 AM
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JON SANDOVAL
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Thank you my friend!
Feb 25, 2021 at 9:20 AM
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STRAILER
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Please use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help and tell a friend.

P.S. Hmac300 is one of our best guys.

Best, Ken
Feb 25, 2021 at 9:20 AM