What component is used to hold the primary and secondary shoes against the adjuster?

The component that holds the primary and secondary shoes against the adjuster is indeed the anchor pin. The anchor pin serves as a pivot point for the brake shoes, allowing them to self-adjust and maintain proper contact with the drum during braking. When the brakes are applied, the force from the wheel cylinder pushes the shoes outward against the brake drum, and the anchor pin helps to stabilize this movement, ensuring that the shoes remain properly positioned for effective braking.

The anchor pin is critical for the functionality of drum brakes, providing a secure location from which the shoes can pivot and ensuring that they return to their original position when the brakes are released. This action is essential for the consistent performance of the braking system, which aids in maintaining proper adjustment and shoe alignment.

Other components mentioned, such as the connecting spring, wheel cylinder, and brake pad, serve different purposes. The connecting spring helps to retract the shoes after braking, while the wheel cylinder applies hydraulic force to push the shoes against the drum. Brake pads are part of disc braking systems and do not apply to the operation of drum brakes, making them unrelated to this specific function of holding the shoes in place.