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Brakes not working?

Tiny
TH3WEDGE
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 SATURN L200
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 102,000 MILES
I replaced the rear brake shoes and drum, but I don't feel as if they are working properly. I did as the manual suggested and pumped the brakes to extend the adjuster. I also drove in forward and reverse. There is pressure in the brake pedal but it seems as if i'm only stopping with my front brakes.
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Thursday, July 7th, 2011 AT 6:43 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
If you didn't manually adjust your brakes then you are just stopping with your front brakes.Those rear brakes have to be adjusted manually when you replace them also as a maintenance.There not self adjusting to the point your thinking.

This guide can help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-pedal-goes-to-the-floor

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Thursday, July 7th, 2011 AT 7:49 PM
Tiny
SHANNON_PRIV
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I had to bleed my brakes all fixed.
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Sunday, December 8th, 2019 AT 7:14 PM
Tiny
RSDMITCH7
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2003 SATURN L200
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Car has disc brakes in the front, drums in the back. I did brake job on the rear. Replaced the cylinders, pads, clips and drums. Bled system. The pedal has never returned to its original height, I have had it looked at by the GM dealership and they adjusted the brakes, but no better. I was then told buy the parts counter rep that this was a problem that happens after you do the first brake job. I asked about the booster and master cylinder and he said it would not change even if I replaced them. Any thoughts?
Thank You,
Bob Mitchell
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Sunday, December 8th, 2019 AT 7:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,793 POSTS
The rear brake shoes are probably not adjusted all the way out. This will cause excess pedal travel. Provided they were put together correctly they should self adjust but you want to get them as close as possible when you put the wheels back on. I don't know why the dealership told you that, but its incorrect. Is the pedal soft like there might still be air in the system as well?
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Sunday, December 8th, 2019 AT 7:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RSDMITCH7
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
No, the pedal is not spongy. I used brake pads from Auto Zone. I made sure they were the same size in length and width.
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Sunday, December 8th, 2019 AT 7:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,793 POSTS
Yes I'm sure you have the right parts, but the brake shoes need to be adjusted so they are all the way out almost making contact with the inside of the brake drum. There is and adjuster on the inside of the backing plate below the bleeder for the brake cylinders. There is a slot where you can get to the adjuster to move the shoes out towards the drum. Rule of thumb is spin the wheel (with the tire on) and you will have a very slight drag from the brake shoe on the inside of the drum, do this on both sides so the pedal will make contact with the drum immediately, and you will no excessive travel. If they were installed correctly, this is the problem. Did you replace the springs and hardware as well? It should all be done together.
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Sunday, December 8th, 2019 AT 7:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RSDMITCH7
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes, all new parts. I will readjust the brakes. Thank you very much for your time and knowledge. This is a terrific site and will be sure to let friends know about it.
Thanks Again
Bob Mitchell
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Sunday, December 8th, 2019 AT 7:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,005 POSTS
Let's hear some good news now!

The Medic
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Sunday, December 8th, 2019 AT 7:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHNNY G.JR
  • MECHANIC
  • 320 POSTS
Drive car in reverse apply brakes for a few cycles, this will adjust drum brakes(old school)
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Sunday, December 8th, 2019 AT 7:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
That's not a good way to get the rear brakes adjusted correct you just have to manually adjust them.
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Sunday, December 8th, 2019 AT 7:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BFORSYTH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 SATURN L200
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 108,000 MILES
I recently purchased a 2001 Saturn L200 - the car runs great except when pushing the brake pedal the first time the pedal is low. After a second push (pump) the pedal comes up quite a bit and is firmer. Either time the car stops fine - it's just the pedal is lower than I'd like. Is the master cylinder bypassing? I thought if this was the case the pedal would sink to the floor and this is not the case. I had the brakes inspected and there is plenty of pad/shoe with no apparent leaks. Thanks
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Sunday, December 8th, 2019 AT 7:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Try this simple test. Before you hit the brkes first thing in the am, pull the parking brake up, see if this brings up your pedal hieght, if it does, the rear brakes need adjustment or replacement! Check them before you adjust them, it will make it easier to get the drums off!
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Sunday, December 8th, 2019 AT 7:14 PM (Merged)

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