Snoopy- We've seen that a lot.. Maybe next time OP has a different problem he will return..

 

I run into similar problem a few weeks ago when trying to replace rear brake shoes on my own. You will need a second person to help you out to spread them apart a put them back in place without damaging the wheel cylinder. I made a mistake of doing it on my own and damaging the wheel cylinder. To install the adjuster I used two clamps to spread the assembly enough so that part can fit. The springs are super tight.

 

The reason you had a problem with the self adjuster is that you did things out of order.

 

My 2010 looks just like the picture @slonny posted.

@donbrew Can you send a link to the procedures you added here? I would really like to see the figures they are referring to. Thanks.

I found this procedure for a Chevy Sonic: Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: Brake Shoe Replacement (J93, J94) - Drum Brakes - Brakes - Chassis It looks just like what I have.

 

The Sonic brakes (except the self adjuster) and the pic from Slonny are better than I have. I'm pretty sure they have been posted before.

The general principle of drum brakes hasn't changed in over 60 years. Best idea is to take a pic before you start taking things apart.

 

Why not use your Vin number to order your rear brake shoes thru GM or use it to get the correct part numbers needed and see if you can get the Parts for less money @ a GM online store ??

Silverfox.

 

I have a Mexican built 2008 HHR 2.4LT, but it has I guess all-wheel ABS? at least it has the ESP button on dash.
So I assume I need to order the most expensive ACDELCO made shoes;

in rockauto:ACDELCO 1710890 {#10366478, 19256491} GM Original Equipment Info
Rear; 4-Wheel ABS (ABS Sensors on all 4 Wheels); Cast Iron; MUST ALSO REPL BOTH RETAINING SPRINGS WITH 18026962

Below picture, where the "cleaning brush" isn't essential part of brakes... mine has now 100 000 miles on it, never opened brakes before yet...

 

Nothing special about the drum brakes. Get whatever brand you want. They changed the shoes sometime in 2009. so be sure you get 2008 parts.

Even though yours have lots of wear left you will be amazed at the difference new shoes makes.

 

Yes, 2006 thru 2008, and some early 2009 LS/LT rear drum brakes have the horse shoe spring to retain and retract the shoes, like finnhhr posted. the 2009 thru 2011 have the style of retaining springs that date back to the early ‘60’s like slonny posted.

So ensure you order the correct year parts for your HHR and if yours is a 2009, you will need to remove the brake drum to look and confirm which setup it has.

 

finnhhr- From the looks of your self adjuster, it doesn't look like it has ever been adjusted out hardly any.

FYI: These rear drum brakes do not self adjust properly. When I do my yearly oil change & service, I always check the adjustment of the rear drum brakes.
I just jack up 1 wheel & support it, then spin rear wheel. If it just continues to spin & spin, I give a bit of adjustment till I just faintly begin to hear a slight brake rub sound. & repeat on the other.
No need to pull the wheel, the backing plate has a rubber plug just above the axle, that you remove to get a tool in to turn the adjuster wheel.

do it once & it will become quick like a pit stop.