### Brake Shoes

#### REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

##### Altima, Maxima, Sentra and 200SX

CAUTION
Brake shoes may contain asbestos, which has been determined to be a cancer causing agent. Never clean the brake surfaces with compressed air! Avoid inhaling any dust from any brake surface! When cleaning brake surfaces, use a commercially available brake cleaning fluid.

Fig. 1:Brake shoe and wheel cylinder assembly — Altima and Maxima

1. Raise the vehicle and remove the rear wheels.
2. Release the parking brake and remove the brake drum.
3. Place a heavy rubber band or clamp around the wheel cylinder to prevent the piston from coming out.
4. Remove the return springs, adjuster assembly, hold-down springs, and brake shoes.
5. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the toggle lever.

   To install:

6. Clean the backing plate and check the wheel cylinder for leaks.
7. The brake drums must be machined if scored or out of round.
8. Reconnect the parking brake cable.
9. Hook the return springs into the new shoes. The return spring ends should be between the shoes and the backing plate. The longer return spring must be adjacent to the wheel cylinder. A very thin film of lithium grease may be applied to the pivot points at the ends of the brake shoes. Grease the shoe locating buttons on the backing plate, also. Be careful not to get grease on the linings or drums.
10. Install the adjuster assembly (rotate nut until adjuster rod is at its shortest point) between brake shoes. Place one shoe in the adjuster and piston slots and pry the other shoe into position. Install hold-down springs and reconnect the return springs.
11. Install the drums (adjust wheel bearings if necessary) and wheels. Adjust the brakes and bleed the hydraulic system, if necessary.
12. Make sure the shoes do not drag when the parking brake is applied and then is released.