If you're not experienced with brake work, take your car to a qualified mechanic. This is a safety-critical system.
If you are determined to proceed despite the warning, here's a general overview. These instructions are generic and may not be perfectly accurate for your specific model. Always consult a repair manual specific to your 2006 Chevy Cobalt.
General Steps (Drum Brakes):
1. Safety First: Engage the parking brake. Chock the front wheels securely. Raise the rear of the car using jack stands (never work under a car supported only by a jack). Wear safety glasses.
2. Wheel Removal: Remove the wheel.
3. Access the Adjuster: Locate the star wheel adjuster. This is a small, toothed wheel usually accessible through a hole in the back of the drum. You might need to partially remove the brake drum to fully access it. Sometimes a hole is visible, while others may require you to slightly move the drum.
4. Adjustment: Using a screwdriver or special adjusting tool (often a long, thin rod with a hook-like end), turn the star wheel clockwise to tighten the brake shoes against the drum. Turn it *slightly*, then check for clearance between the shoes and the drum. You should be able to turn the drum with a slight resistance once the adjustment is complete. Over-tightening will make the brakes drag, creating heat and potentially damaging the brakes.
5. Testing: After adjusting, carefully rotate the drum. It should turn with some resistance, but not so much that it's difficult. If it turns freely, adjust further. If it's too tight, back off the adjuster slightly.
6. Reassembly: Reinstall the brake drum, wheel, and lower the car.
7. Test Drive: Test the brakes carefully, ensuring the parking brake still functions correctly. If anything feels wrong, stop and re-check your work. If you're unsure, take the vehicle to a mechanic.
Important Considerations:
* Brake Drum Removal: Sometimes the brake drum won't come off easily due to rust or brake shoe expansion from heat. You may need to carefully use a rubber mallet to gently tap the drum off.
* Automatic Adjusters: Some Cobalt models may have self-adjusting rear brakes, which reduce the need for manual adjustment. If this is the case, the above steps may not be applicable.
* Repair Manual: A repair manual specific to your 2006 Chevy Cobalt will provide detailed diagrams, instructions, and torque specifications, making the process safer and more effective.
Again, if you are not comfortable performing this task, take your car to a qualified mechanic. Brake repairs are crucial for your safety.
