I can't get to the adjusters to back the shoes off,do you need to do make a hole or what? They are real low and I have to do it myself cause I just bought the truck and can't afford the shop.How do you change the rear brakes on a 1998 chevy Z71?There is a slot on the lower part of the backing plate (back side of the brake system). You will only be able to spin the adjustment star one direction (and hear a clicking when you do it); you need to turn it the opposite direction.
You will need a pick or a small screwdriver to push the adjustment arm (that spins the star, also the item that you hear clicking when you spin the star to tighten the brakes). Take tool and push arm away from the center of the vehicle while you use a flat-head screwdriver to spin the star. This will allow you to back off the brakes, if that is what is holding them on.
Check your drum for grooving or excessive wear. Replace if necessary.
I've never had a set of shoes hold the drum on. It is usually stuck to the axle flange. A little penetrating oil and some tapping on the drum (tap outward) was all it took to loosen them up.How do you change the rear brakes on a 1998 chevy Z71?more than likely the drums are stuck on the hub rather than the adjusters being too far out. Get nice big dead blow hammer and hit the drum a few times. As the other person mentioed there should be a rubber plug back there to get at the adjusters, or a metal knockout that you can punch out to get to it if it doesn't have the rubber plug.How do you change the rear brakes on a 1998 chevy Z71?There should be a rubber plug in the backing plate. take it out and there is the hole.
