Here's a general outline, but this is not a substitute for a repair manual specific to your 1998 Pontiac Grand Am. Consult a repair manual for detailed diagrams and instructions. Incorrect adjustment can lead to uneven braking and potentially dangerous situations.
Tools you'll likely need:
* Wheel chocks: Essential for safety.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheel.
* Jack and jack stands: To safely lift the vehicle.
* Hammer: To help tap things loose.
* Screwdriver (possibly): Some adjustment mechanisms might use a screw.
* Socket wrench set: Possibly needed depending on the type of adjuster.
* Brake cleaner: To clean brake components.
* Gloves: To keep your hands clean.
* Repair manual: Absolutely crucial for specific details and diagrams for your car's model.
General Steps (Again, consult your repair manual):
1. Safety First: Chock the front wheels, jack up the rear of the car securely using jack stands, and remove the rear wheel.
2. Drum Removal: Carefully remove the brake drum. Sometimes they can be stubborn and require some gentle tapping with a rubber mallet around the perimeter. Be careful not to damage the drum.
3. Locate the Adjuster: Inside the drum, you'll find the adjuster mechanism. It might be a star wheel adjuster (common) or a different type. Your repair manual will show you exactly where it is.
4. Adjust the Adjuster: The star wheel adjuster is usually accessed through a small hole. Using a screwdriver (or a special tool, check your manual) in the access hole, carefully turn the adjuster to tighten the brake shoes against the drum. Turn the adjuster *clockwise* to tighten the brakes. Do this *slightly*, then re-install the drum. Spin the drum to check. There should be slight resistance, and the drum shouldn't rotate freely. If the resistance is too great, back it off a little.
5. Repeat as needed: Reinstall the drum and repeat the process of adjusting until you have the correct amount of resistance.
6. Reassemble: Put the wheel back on and lower the car. Test the brakes carefully in a safe, controlled environment *before* driving the car normally.
7. Professional Help: If you are uncomfortable with this procedure, take your car to a qualified mechanic. Brake adjustments done incorrectly can lead to serious safety issues.
Important Considerations:
* Brake shoes: Inspect your brake shoes while the drum is off. If they're worn excessively (below the minimum thickness specified in your repair manual), they'll need to be replaced.
* Wheel cylinders: Check the wheel cylinders for leaks while you're in there. Leaking wheel cylinders can cause brake failure.
* Parking brake: If your parking brake isn't working properly, that could also contribute to an adjustment problem; this might require adjusting the parking brake cable separately.
This is a complex procedure, and this is a simplified explanation. Always refer to a repair manual specific to your 1998 Pontiac Grand Am. Improper brake adjustment can be dangerous. If you're not confident, have a professional mechanic handle this task.
