Chevrolet Repair: 2002 Chevy Cavalier, rear drum brakes, 2002 chevy cavalier

Question
We have a brake issue on our 2002 Chevy Cavalier,( 2.2L, front disk brakes, rear drum brakes). The problem began in 2009, and we've not found a fix yet. Problem: When stopping, the rear brakes feel like they are grabbing before the front, and then lock up sharp (usually the left rear before the right). We first took to a tire and wheel shop who told us the adjuster was missing. That fix lasted about a month before it started again. We took it again, and they said that the brakes were dirty, and on backwards(?). That fix also lasted about a month. Finally, we (ourselves) replaced the wheel cylinders on both rear brakes, cleaned everything very well,and replaced the brake shoes. This has also worked for about a month, but is gradually starting to grab in what feels like the rear. We are at a loss on what to try next. Wondering if we should be looking at the Brake pressure module? Any ideas you have would be helpful!

Answer
HI SHELLY,,THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS CAR..WHEN THEN SAID THE BRAKES WERE ON BACKWARDS THIS MEANS THE PRIMARY SHOES WAS ON THE REAR AND SECONDARY SHOES WAS ON THE FRONT. THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE MODULE. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH PRESSURE THE PROBLEM WOULD NEVER GO AWAY.THIS WOULD BE FROM THE PERPORTIONING VALVE .WHAT I HAVE SEEN THE MOST WITH THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM IS THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT FULLY RESEAT IT SELF,CAUSING THE SECONDARY [REAR SHOE] TO NOT SEAT ON THE TOP PIVOT POINT CAUSING IT TO LOCK UP WITH LIGHT PRESSURE..THE OTHER PROBLEMS IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU ADDRESSED..DIRTY SHOES, OUT OF ADJUSTMENT SHOES ,BRAKE FLUID ON THE SHOES FROM LEAKY WHEEL CYLINDERS..THIS WILL ALSO CAUSE A LOCK UP CONDITION. .YOU MAY WANT TO TAKE SOME COURSE SAND PAPER AND SAND THE SURFACE OF THE DRUMS AS WELL..THIS WILL REMOVE ANY GLAZE THATS ON THEM..ALSO,, TRY THIS IF YOU WANT, REMOVE THE PARKING BRAKE ACTUATOR ON BOTH SIDES,THIS IS THE BAR THAT GOES BETWEEN BOTH THE SHOES. SEE IF THIS TAKES CARE OF THE PROBLEM..IF THE PROBLEM STOPS YOU WILL KNOW IT WAS THE PARKING BRAKE NOT SEATING...IF SO,TRY TO FREE THEM UP IF YOU CAN'T--- TIME FOR NEW PARKING BRAKE CABLES..HOPE THIS HELPS YOU,,,,TOM