1976-1981 Buick Skyhawk Rear Drum Brake Hardware Replacement Guide
Everything you need to know about choosing the right new aftermarket drum brake hardware kit for your classic Skyhawk.
- Always replace the drum brake hardware kit when installing new brake shoes; it's a cheap and critical part for a successful brake job.
- Symptoms of failure include scraping noises, brake drag, a soft pedal, and the car pulling to one side when braking.
- For this vehicle, a quality aftermarket kit from a brand like Raybestos or Dynamic Friction is recommended over budget options and will perform as well as or better than the original 45-year-old parts.
- There are no active recalls or TSBs for this specific part; failures are due to age and normal wear.
Is Your Skyhawk's Rear Brake Hardware Worn Out?
The springs and clips in your Skyhawk's rear drum brakes are under constant tension and exposed to heat and moisture. After 40+ years, the original hardware is almost certainly fatigued, rusted, or broken. Worn hardware can't properly pull the brake shoes away from the drums, leading to a range of problems. Since you're already replacing the brake shoes, installing a new hardware kit is a cheap and essential step to ensure the whole job is done right.
Symptoms of Failing Drum Brake Hardware
Bad hardware can cause symptoms that are sometimes mistaken for other brake problems. Here’s what to listen and feel for:
- Scraping or Grinding Noises: A continuous scraping or grinding sound from the rear wheels, even when you aren't braking, often points to a broken spring that is allowing a shoe to drag against the drum.
- Brake Drag: If the springs are too weak to pull the shoes back, they will drag on the drum. This creates heat, wears out your new shoes quickly, and can even lower your gas mileage.
- Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal: If the self-adjuster isn't working correctly due to a bad spring, the shoes may have to travel too far to contact the drum, resulting in a pedal that feels soft or goes down too far.
- Vehicle Pulling to One Side: Unevenly worn or broken hardware on one side can cause that brake to grab differently than the other, making the car pull left or right during braking.
- Parking Brake Issues: The hardware kit often includes components related to the parking brake mechanism. A weak or failing parking brake can be related to old hardware.
OEM vs. Aftermarket for a Classic Buick
For a vehicle like the 1976-1981 Skyhawk, finding New Old Stock (NOS) OEM brake hardware is nearly impossible and would be very expensive. Modern aftermarket kits from reputable brands are your best and most practical option. Materials science and manufacturing have improved over the last 45 years. A quality aftermarket kit from a brand like Raybestos or Centric's professional line will meet or exceed the original factory specifications and often features better corrosion resistance.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Hardware Kit
Not all aftermarket brands are created equal. For your Skyhawk, you have several choices that generally fall into different quality and price tiers. Given the low cost of even the best kits (under $15), it's worth spending a few extra dollars for a better brand.
Tier 1: Professional Grade (Recommended)
- Raybestos: A well-respected name in brakes for decades. Their hardware kits are known for meeting factory specifications and using high-quality materials for durability. They are often the preferred choice for a reliable, long-lasting repair.
- Dynamic Friction: Often praised for offering modern features like corrosion-resistant coatings at a competitive price. They are a solid choice and considered a legitimate, quality brand by many installers.
Tier 2: Standard Aftermarket
- Centric: A very popular aftermarket brand that offers a wide range of parts. Their quality is generally seen as good for the price, though some mechanics note it can be hit-or-miss depending on the specific part line. Sticking to their "Premium" or professional-grade offerings is a good idea.
Tier 3: Economy / Budget
- Dorman: Dorman has a mixed reputation. While they are known for making a huge variety of parts, many professional mechanics are wary of their quality, citing issues with fit and durability. While a kit might work, the small price saving may not be worth the potential for a part that doesn't fit perfectly or wears out prematurely.
Pro Tip: Replace Everything at Once
A drum brake hardware kit is designed to be a complete axle set. When you replace the brake shoes on your Skyhawk, you should also replace the hardware on both rear wheels at the same time. This ensures even braking performance and saves you from having to do the job twice.
Cost of New Aftermarket Drum Brake Hardware Kits
| Brand Tier | Example Brands | Estimated Price (Kit for both rear wheels) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Grade | Raybestos, Dynamic Friction | $10 - $14 |
| Standard | Centric | $9 - $12 |
| Economy | Dorman | $9 - $13 |
Prices are estimates and can vary by retailer. The price range for all available brands is very narrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to replace the hardware with my brake shoes?
Yes. It is highly recommended. The springs lose their tension over time, and old, rusty clips can break. Re-using old hardware with new shoes is a common cause of brake noise, dragging, and premature wear. For a part that costs around $10, it's cheap insurance for your brake job.
Are there any recalls for the 1976-1981 Skyhawk's rear brakes?
No specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) were found for the drum brake hardware kit on the 1976-1981 rear-wheel-drive Buick Skyhawk. While other GM cars from that era had brake-related investigations, they typically concerned different models or different brake system components. Any issues today are due to the age and wear of the original parts.
Is installing a drum brake hardware kit a DIY job?
Yes, for a mechanically inclined person. Drum brakes can be tricky due to the number of springs and clips. It's essential to take a picture of the assembly before you take it apart and only work on one side at a time, so you have the other side for reference. Special drum brake tools can make the job much easier.
Does the kit include the self-adjuster?
It depends on the specific kit. Some comprehensive hardware kits include the self-adjuster cable, lever, and sometimes the star wheel adjuster itself. Other, more basic kits may only include the springs and clips. Always check the product description and photo to see exactly what is included in the kit you are buying.
Technical Specifications
The kit contains various springs (return, hold-down), clips, and pins for servicing the rear drum brakes on both sides of the vehicle. Some kits may also include self-adjuster components.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.