How to Replace Emergency Brakes in a Saturn VUE

Emergency brakes were originally used to stop a vehicle during a failure of the regular brakes. However, they are now used primarily to keep the vehicle from moving while parked because the regular brakes on a Saturn VUE rarely fail. Emergency brakes most often need to be replaced as a result of disuse, which can cause the components to rust and seize.

Instructions

1

Determine which type of emergency brakes your Saturn VUE will need. Emergency brakes typically function by activating the regular braking system on the driving wheels. The emergency brakes for all versions of the Saturn VUE use the drum brake shoes on the rear wheels.

2

Raise the vehicle and remove the brake drum with a socket wrench. Disengage the adjuster spring from the tab on the adjuster actuator and the brake shoe. Remove the adjuster actuator and return spring from the brake shoe.

3

Disconnect the parking brake cable from the parking brake lever with a socket wrench. Remove the brake shoe hold-down springs, retainers and adjuster from the brake shoes. Detach the horseshoe clip that retains the parking brake lever to the brake shoe so you can remove the parking brake lever and wave washer from the brake shoe.

4

Lubricate the adjuster assembly, brake shoe contact pads, brake lever pin and contact surfaces with high temperature, silicone brake lubricant. You should also apply a thin coat of lubricant where the adjuster actuator contacts the brake shoe.

5

Complete the installation of the brake shoes by reversing the removal steps.