Here's a general overview, but this is not a substitute for a proper repair manual:
Tools and Parts You'll Likely Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Essential for safety. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To secure the other wheels.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Socket set and wrenches: Various sizes depending on your vehicle.
* C-clamp or brake caliper compressor: To compress the caliper piston.
* Brake cleaner: To clean brake components.
* New brake shoes/pads: Crucially, get the *correct* parts for your year and model. Don't guess!
* New hardware: This often includes springs, clips, and possibly wheel cylinders (depending on the type of rear brakes – drum or disc).
* Grease: For lubricating pins and other moving parts.
* Gloves: To protect your hands.
* Safety glasses: To protect your eyes.
* Torque wrench: Extremely important for proper tightening of bolts and nuts.
General Steps (for Drum Brakes – Most likely on older Cutlass Supremes):
1. Safety First: Engage the parking brake, chock the front wheels, jack up the rear of the car, and secure it on jack stands.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and the wheel.
3. Remove the Drum: Some drums might require a little persuasion (a rubber mallet can help) to separate from the backing plate.
4. Inspect the Components: Examine the brake shoes, springs, wheel cylinders, and other parts for wear and tear.
5. Remove the Brake Shoes: Carefully detach the springs, retainers, and brake shoes. Take note of their positions and how they're connected—you'll need to put it all back together.
6. Inspect and Replace Wheel Cylinders (if necessary): Check for leaks or damage. Wheel cylinder replacement is more involved than shoe replacement.
7. Install the New Brake Shoes: Install the new brake shoes, ensuring they are correctly seated and all springs and retainers are properly installed. Refer to your repair manual.
8. Adjust the Brake Shoes: Most drum brakes have an adjuster mechanism; you'll need to adjust it to ensure proper brake shoe clearance.
9. Reinstall the Drum: Put the drum back on.
10. Reinstall the Wheel: Tighten the lug nuts.
11. Repeat for the Other Side: Follow the same procedure for the other rear wheel.
12. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the car from the jack stands.
13. Bleed the Brakes: This is crucial. Bleeding removes air from the brake lines to ensure proper braking. Consult your repair manual for the bleeding procedure.
General Steps (for Disc Brakes – More likely on newer Cutlass Supremes):
1. Safety First: Same as above.
2. Remove the Wheel: Same as above.
3. Remove the Caliper: You may need to use a C-clamp or caliper compressor to retract the piston.
4. Inspect and Replace the Brake Pads: Replace worn pads.
5. Reinstall the Caliper: Attach the caliper and ensure it's properly seated.
6. Reinstall the Wheel: Tighten the lug nuts.
7. Repeat for the Other Side: Follow the same procedure for the other rear wheel.
8. Bleed the Brakes: Essential, as above.
Disclaimer: This is general information. Working on brakes is serious business. Incorrectly installed brakes can lead to accidents. If you are not comfortable performing this task, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Always consult a repair manual specific to your vehicle's year and model.
