How to Change the Shoes on a 2003 PT Cruiser

Brake shoes are used on a brake drum assembly, working mainly on a car's rear wheels to operate with the parking brake. The brake shoes on a 2003 PT Cruiser are very similar to the shoes on most vehicles. Changing the shoes is a complex process that involves working with the multiple springs and levers that control the shoes as they work with the brake drum. It can always help to talk with your mechanic before beginning.

Instructions

Raise the car and support it on jack stands, blocking the front wheels. remove the two rear wheels and release the parking brake.

Pull the drum brake off. If it doesn't slip off, insert a screwdriver into the access hole behind the drum and turn the adjuster wheel within the hole, retracting the shoes to loosen the drum.

Spray aerosol brake cleaner on the entire brake assembly, using a drip pan to catch all residue that runs off of the brakes.

Unhook and disconnect the adjuster spring from the assembly -- the vertically positioned spring on the side -- using locking pliers and then remove the upper and lower return springs.

Disconnect the hold-down spring and retainer on the leading brake shoe -- this often takes a special tool from an auto parts store -- and remove the shoe. Remove the rod-like adjuster that is in between the two shoes at the upper end.

Pry open the retainer on the parking brake lever until you can remove it, then remove the trailing shoe's hold-down spring ad retainer and remove the shoe, separating it from the parking brake lever.

Apply high-temperature grease to the spots on the backing plate's sides and upper end where the shoes come in contact with the plate.

Connect the replacement trailing shoe to the parking brake lever using its wave washer and retainer, securing the retainer within the pin groove with pliers. Connect the shoe to the brake assembly with its hold-down spring and retainer.

Insert the adjuster into position on the trailing shoe and then install the leading shoe, making sure it engages with the adjuster. Apply the leading shoe's hold-down spring and retainer.

Install and hook the lower return spring into position with the pliers, followed by the upper spring and the adjuster actuating spring.

Insert the brake drum back on and turn the adjuster wheel with the screwdriver until the brakes drag against the drum when you turn it. Back off the adjuster until the drums just avoid dragging.

Reconnect both wheels after changing the shoes on both sides and lower the Cruiser off the jack stands.