Drum Brake Hardware Kit

Replace drum brake hardware kit including springs, adjusters, and hold-down hardware on rear drum brakes to restore proper brake operation and safety.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Drum brake hardware kit (includes springs, adjusters, hold-downs) × 2 — Rear drum brake hardware kit for 10" x 2.5" drums

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and set parking brake (if front brakes hold adequately).
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground.
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at rear axle housing.
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under axle housing or frame rails.
6. Remove rear wheels completely.
7. Release parking brake.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Pull brake drum straight off the axle hub. If drum is stuck, thread two 1/2"-20 bolts into the threaded holes in the drum face and tighten evenly to press drum off. If drum still won't release, back off star wheel adjuster through access hole in backing plate using flat-head screwdriver.
2. 2

   Clean and inspect brake assembly
   Spray entire brake assembly thoroughly with brake cleaner, catching runoff with rags. Clean drum interior surface with brake cleaner. Inspect wheel cylinder for leaks - if fluid is present, wheel cylinder must be replaced before continuing. Inspect brake shoes for contamination or excessive wear. Take a photo of the assembly for reference during reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove hold-down springs and pins
   Using brake spring tool, compress each hold-down spring cup while rotating 90 degrees to release from hold-down pin. Remove spring, cup, and pin from each brake shoe. Note orientation of components - cup has concave side facing spring.
4. 4

   Remove return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, unhook upper return springs from both brake shoes. Note which spring goes in which position (primary and secondary shoes may use different springs). Remove lower return spring if equipped. These springs are under significant tension - keep hands and face clear of spring path.
5. 5

   Remove brake shoes and adjuster
   Disconnect parking brake cable from parking brake lever on rear shoe. Unhook adjuster spring and remove adjuster screw assembly. Remove both brake shoes from backing plate. Keep shoes paired together - do not mix left and right sides.
6. 6

   Remove old hardware from shoes
   Remove parking brake lever from old secondary shoe by removing C-clip or horseshoe clip. Remove automatic adjuster lever and spring from old shoes if equipped. Clean any rust or debris from shoe mounting surfaces using wire brush.
7. 7

   Install new hardware on brake shoes
   Transfer parking brake lever to new secondary shoe (or existing shoe if reusing) and secure with new clip from hardware kit. Install new automatic adjuster lever and spring if included in kit. Ensure parking brake lever pivots freely.
8. 8

   Lubricate and prepare backing plate
   Clean backing plate shoe contact pads with wire brush. Apply thin film of high-temperature brake lubricant (included in most hardware kits) to the six raised pads where brake shoes contact backing plate. Do not over-lubricate or get lubricant on shoe lining material.
9. 9

   Install adjuster assembly
   Clean adjuster screw threads with wire brush. Apply anti-seize compound to adjuster threads. Verify adjuster operates smoothly through full range. Install new adjuster spring. Position adjuster between brake shoes with star wheel positioned for access through backing plate adjustment hole. Adjuster socket (internally threaded end) goes toward secondary shoe.
10. 10

    Install brake shoes
    Position brake shoes on backing plate, engaging top of shoes in wheel cylinder slots and bottom of shoes in anchor bracket. Connect parking brake cable to parking brake lever. Ensure shoes are properly seated in wheel cylinder and anchor.
11. 11

    Install return springs
    Using brake spring pliers, install lower return spring first if equipped. Install upper return springs using proper brake spring tools - attach to primary shoe first, stretch across, and hook to secondary shoe. Ensure springs are seated fully in shoe webbing holes. Verify correct spring positioning by comparing to opposite side assembly.
12. 12

    Install hold-down hardware
    Insert hold-down pins from rear of backing plate through shoe webbing. Place concave cup over pin, then place spring over cup. Using brake spring tool, compress spring and rotate cup 90 degrees to lock onto pin. Repeat for remaining hold-down assemblies. Verify shoes are centered on backing plate.
13. 13

    Install drum and adjust brakes
    Clean drum mounting surface on hub. Slide drum over shoes - drum should drag slightly. Through adjustment hole in backing plate, rotate star wheel with screwdriver to expand shoes until drum will not turn. Back off star wheel 8-10 clicks until drum rotates freely with slight drag. Install wheel and snug lug nuts. Repeat entire procedure on opposite rear wheel.

Reassembly

1. After both rear wheels are completed, install wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern.
2. Lower vehicle to ground and remove jack stands.
3. Torque lug nuts to 75 ft-lbs in star pattern.
4. Test parking brake - should engage within 3-5 clicks.

Verification

• Pump brake pedal several times - pedal should become firm within 3-4 pumps.
• Start engine and verify brake pedal does not sink to floor with constant pressure.
• Perform low-speed brake test in safe area - vehicle should stop smoothly without pulling to either side.
• Verify parking brake holds vehicle on slight incline.
• After 50-100 miles, re-check brake adjustment and adjust if necessary - new shoes may seat and require readjustment.

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