How to Install a 1993 Buick Brake Spring

The 1993 Buicks came equipped with drum-type rear brakes. The rear wheel hubs mount the brake drum. A fixed backing plate supports the hydraulic wheel cylinder, brake shoes and springs. Brake pressure is supplied from the master cylinder to the wheel cylinder, which expands and pushes the brake shoes into contact with the drum. Special springs hold the shoes in place on their pivot and the wheel cylinder, and return the shoes to the standby position after braking pressure is released. Constant heating and cooling cycles due to braking friction tend to make these springs lose strength and require replacement frequently. You must elevate the rear of the Buick and remove the wheels and brake drums before installing the springs.

Difficulty: Moderately EasyInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Needle-nose pliers
Flat-head screwdriver

Step 1
Rotate the wheel hub until the two slotted holes are at the 5 and 7 o'clock positions. Place the right brake shoe into position against the wheel cylinder and the pivot. Reach through the slotted hole, and hook the pivot spring into the hole on the bottom of the shoe with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Repeat this process for the left shoe.
Step 2
Hold the shoes in place against the wheel cylinder. Reach over the top of the hub and connect the actuator spring to the top holes in both brake shoes with the pliers.
Step 3
Pry the bottom loop of the retractor spring over the spring alignment peg at the bottom of the backing plate with a flat-head screwdriver. Lever the top of the retractor spring away from the hub with the screwdriver until you can snap the spring into the retaining hole about halfway up the shoe.