Drum Brake Hardware Kit

Replace rear drum brake hardware kit including springs, adjusters, and hold-down components to restore proper brake function and eliminate noise or poor performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear drum brake hardware kit (both sides) × 2 — Use OEM Mopar or quality aftermarket kit containing all springs and hardware
• Brake parts cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated aerosol
• High-temperature brake lubricant × 1 — Synthetic brake caliper grease

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and place transmission in Park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual)
2. Chock front wheels securely on both sides
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at differential or frame lifting points
5. Support vehicle on jack stands placed under frame rails or axle housing - NEVER rely on jack alone
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Take multiple reference photos of both brake assemblies before disassembly, capturing spring positions and hardware orientation
8. Spray brake assemblies thoroughly with brake cleaner and wipe away excess dust with wet rags - do not create airborne dust

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drums
   Remove the center dust cap if present. If drum has retaining clips or screws, remove them. Pull drum straight off hub. If drum is stuck due to rust or shoe adjustment, back off adjuster through access hole in backing plate using screwdriver. If still stuck, use a drum puller - do not hammer excessively as this can damage wheel bearings. Once removed, inspect drum interior for scoring, cracks, or excessive wear. Measure drum diameter if possible - maximum diameter is stamped inside the drum; verify the actual size against the stamping (rear drums on Ram 2500 diesel 4WD are commonly around 13 inches, but confirm the exact spec for your axle).
2. 2

   Document and photograph brake assembly
   Before touching any hardware, take detailed photos from multiple angles showing exact positions of: return springs (upper and lower), hold-down springs and pins, adjuster spring, adjuster lever, and self-adjuster cable. Note the orientation of the adjuster screw - the star wheel should be accessible from the backing plate hole. This side will serve as your reference, so photograph thoroughly.
3. 3

   Remove brake shoe return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, remove the primary return spring (usually the upper spring connecting the tops of both shoes). Then remove the secondary return spring. These springs are under significant tension - control them carefully to prevent injury. If springs are color-coded or different sizes, note which position each came from, though new hardware kit will include properly matched springs.
4. 4

   Remove hold-down springs and pins
   Locate the hold-down springs (cup-shaped spring with pin through backing plate). Using brake spring pliers or by pressing and rotating 90 degrees with needle-nose pliers, remove both hold-down spring assemblies from front and rear shoes. Keep track of the backing washers and pins. The pins are accessed from behind the backing plate and held by the spring tension.
5. 5

   Remove adjuster components and cable
   Disconnect the self-adjuster cable from the anchor pin or lever. Remove the adjuster lever and adjuster lever spring. Remove the adjuster screw assembly (star wheel adjuster) by unhooking it from both brake shoes. Note the orientation - the adjuster screw assemblies are side-specific (the driver side and passenger side use oppositely threaded star wheels) and must be installed on the correct side (driver vs passenger). Clean the adjuster screw threads with wire brush and verify it operates smoothly.
6. 6

   Remove brake shoes
   With all springs and hardware removed, separate the bottom of both shoes from the anchor/parking brake strut. Lift shoes away from backing plate. Be careful not to damage the wheel cylinder boots. If replacing shoes as well, transfer the parking brake lever from old secondary shoe to new shoe using the retaining clip.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect backing plate
   Thoroughly clean the backing plate with brake cleaner and wire brush. Inspect wheel cylinder for any signs of leakage (wet spots or brake fluid). Check backing plate for cracks or damage. Clean the six raised shoe contact pads on the backing plate where shoes slide - these must be smooth and clean. Apply a thin coat of high-temperature brake lubricant to these contact pads only - keep lubricant away from friction surfaces.
8. 8

   Prepare adjuster hardware from new kit
   Lay out all new hardware from the kit. Verify the adjuster screw is for the correct side by comparing to the old unit; confirm actual expansion direction by watching the shoes spread as the star wheel is turned during final adjustment. Lubricate adjuster screw threads lightly with brake lubricant. Ensure star wheel rotates freely. Adjuster must be collapsed (shortest position) for installation.
9. 9

   Install brake shoes with lower hardware
   Position both brake shoes onto backing plate, engaging the wheel cylinder push rods at top and connecting the parking brake lever to the strut at the bottom (secondary/rear shoe). Install the new hold-down pins from behind backing plate, then install the new hold-down springs and retainers on both shoes. Press and rotate 90 degrees to lock in place.
10. 10

    Install adjuster assembly
    Position the adjuster screw assembly between the bottoms of both shoes, ensuring the star wheel is positioned toward the rear and accessible through the backing plate adjustment hole. The adjuster should fit into the notches on both shoe webs. Install the adjuster lever on the secondary shoe with the new adjuster lever spring connecting it to the shoe. Route the new adjuster cable over the anchor pin and connect it to the adjuster lever.
11. 11

    Install return springs
    Install the new primary return spring connecting the tops of both shoes (closest to wheel cylinder). Use brake spring pliers to stretch spring into position on both shoe anchor points. Then install the secondary return spring in the lower position. Verify both springs are fully seated in the shoe anchor holes and not twisted. Springs should pull shoes firmly against anchor points.
12. 12

    Verify assembly and adjust shoes
    Double-check all hardware is installed per reference photos: both hold-down springs secure, both return springs in place, adjuster cable connected, adjuster lever spring attached. Verify shoes move freely and center themselves on backing plate. Using screwdriver through backing plate access hole, rotate adjuster star wheel to expand shoes until drum slides on with moderate resistance - should require firm hand pressure but not hammering.
13. 13

    Install brake drum
    Clean drum mounting surface on hub and inside drum with brake cleaner. Slide drum over shoes - should require firm pressure. If drum will not fit, back off adjuster slightly. Rotate drum and verify it drags evenly all around. Install any drum retaining screws or clips. Install dust cap if equipped. Back off adjuster 8-10 clicks so drum rotates freely with only slight drag.
14. 14

    Repeat procedure on opposite side
    Repeat all steps on the opposite rear brake assembly. Use the first completed side as reference, but verify spring and hardware positions against your original reference photos as well. Ensure both sides are adjusted equally - drums should have similar resistance when rotated by hand.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern
2. Lower vehicle until tires just touch ground but suspension is not fully loaded
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to 183 Nm (135 lb-ft) in star pattern
4. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands
5. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Before moving vehicle, pump brake pedal 15-20 times until firm - pedal should not go to floor
• Start engine and verify brake pedal firmness with engine running
• Check brake fluid level in master cylinder - top off with DOT 3 if needed
• Test drive in safe area at low speed (under 5 mph) to verify brakes engage smoothly
• Perform several gentle brake applications, then check that brake drums are not excessively hot (warm is normal)
• Listen for any unusual noises - slight scraping is normal for first few miles as shoes seat
• Perform final road test with gradual stops from 20-30 mph - brakes should engage smoothly without pulling
• After 50-100 miles, re-check brake adjustment and adjust through backing plate holes if needed for optimal pedal feel
• New brake hardware may require 200-300 miles of break-in for full performance

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