5. Since the LeSabre is safely supported with the jack stands, you can release the emergency
brake.
6. Remove the brake drums from the wheel hubs. It is highly likely the drums will not slide off
easily. First you will need to retract the brake shoes, remove the rubber plug from the back of
the brake, then rotate the sprocket inside the drum with a flat-head screwdriver. Use an upward
motion and keep rotating the sprocket. You can also use a large ball-peen hammer to hit the
drum; this will assist in removal.
7. Wearing rubber gloves and safety goggles, you can now clean the drum with brake wash. Take
care when using the brake wash, as it contains harsh chemicals; also the brake dust might
contain asbestos.
8. Disconnect the shoe retracting springs from the pin at the top of the brake with the brake spring
removal tool. Then use the tool to remove the springs at the bottom of the brake.
9. Locate the auto-adjuster tab and lift it up with a pair of pliers and a screwdriver and disconnect
the auto-adjuster cable. The auto-adjuster tab is a small metal tab at the bottom of the wheel
hub.
10. Remove the primary (front) braking shoe from the wheel hub (it should be completely
disconnected), then detach the secondary braking shoe from the parking brake cable/lever and
remove it.
11. Wash off the wheel hub with brake wash, taking the same precautions that you did in Step 7.
12. Slide the new brake shoes into the same position where the old shoes were located.
13. Re-assemble the brake, reversing the process that you used to take it apart. Repeat the process
for the brakes on the other side.
14. Place the tires back onto the hubs and screw the lug nuts into place. Tighten the lug nuts as
much as possible.
15. Jack the car up and remove the jack stands. Slowly lower the LeSabre to the ground and tighten
