Brake Pads and Rotors - Rear

This procedure replaces the rear brake drums, shoes, and hardware on a 1972 Ford F-100 with 302ci V8. Note: This vehicle uses drum brakes in the rear, not disc brakes with pads and rotors.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake shoe set (both wheels) × 1 — Use OEM specification or Wagner/Raybestos equivalent
• Rear brake drums (both sides) × 2 — 10" x 2.5" drum standard for F-100
• Brake hardware kit (springs, pins, adjusters) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel bearing grease × 1 — High-temperature wheel bearing grease
• Brake parts cleaner × 2 — Non-chlorinated brake cleaner

Fluids

• DOT 3 brake fluid — 0.75 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground. Place transmission in Park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual).
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on the ground.
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at rear axle center.
5. Place jack stands under rear axle tubes near differential, ensuring stable support on both sides.
6. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside.
7. Verify parking brake is fully released.
8. Spray all brake drum retaining hardware with penetrating oil and allow 10 minutes to soak.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drums
   If drum is retained by a speed nut or clip on a wheel stud, remove it. Most 1972 F-100 rear drums are not mechanically retained and pull straight off once the adjuster is backed off. Back off the brake adjuster by inserting a brake spoon through the adjustment slot in the backing plate (slot is typically at 6 o'clock position on backing plate). Rotate the star wheel adjuster upward approximately 10 clicks to retract the shoes. Grasp the drum firmly and pull straight off the hub. If drum is seized, use a drum puller threaded into the two puller holes in the drum face, or tap gently around the outer edge with a rubber mallet. Do not strike the braking surface.
2. 2

   Inspect and measure drums
   Spray the inside of both drums thoroughly with brake cleaner, catching all runoff in a pan. Wipe clean with rags. Inspect the braking surface for cracks, grooves deeper than 0.060", heat checking, or out-of-round wear. Measure the inside diameter at multiple points with a micrometer or drum gauge. Maximum diameter for 10" drums is typically 10.060". If drums exceed this limit or show damage, they must be replaced. If within specification and smooth, drums may be reused but new drums are recommended.
3. 3

   Document brake assembly orientation
   Before disassembly, note the orientation of all springs, adjusters, and hardware. The leading shoe (front) is typically shorter than the trailing shoe (rear). Take a photo if possible. The star wheel adjuster should be positioned at the bottom with the star wheel toward the rear of the vehicle.
4. 4

   Remove brake shoe return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, remove the primary return spring (top spring connecting both shoes) and the secondary return springs. These are under high tension - pull straight and steady, keeping hands clear of the spring path. Remove the adjuster lever spring (small spring connecting adjuster lever to secondary shoe).
5. 5

   Remove hold-down springs and pins
   Remove the shoe hold-down springs and pins from both shoes. These are accessed from behind the backing plate. Press down on the spring retainer cup while rotating 90 degrees to align the slot with the pin head, then release. Remove both pins, retainers, and springs from primary and secondary shoes.
6. 6

   Remove brake shoes and hardware
   Lift the adjuster lever off the secondary shoe. Unhook the parking brake cable from the parking brake lever on the trailing shoe. Separate the shoes from the adjuster mechanism at the bottom. Remove both brake shoes from the backing plate. Remove the star wheel adjuster assembly by separating it from the shoes. Note the orientation of the adjuster socket (threads visible) for reassembly.
7. 7

   Remove and transfer parking brake lever
   The parking brake lever must be transferred from the old secondary (trailing) shoe to the new shoe. Remove the horseshoe clip or C-clip securing the lever pivot pin. Slide the lever and spring off the old shoe. Install onto the new secondary shoe in the same orientation, securing with the clip. Ensure the lever moves freely and the spring returns it to the stop position.
8. 8

   Clean and inspect backing plate
   Spray the backing plate with brake cleaner, catching all runoff. Wire brush the six shoe contact pads (raised platforms where shoes rest). Inspect the wheel cylinder for leaks - any brake fluid seepage requires wheel cylinder replacement before proceeding. Check that the parking brake lever and cable move freely. Apply a thin film of high-temperature brake grease to the six shoe contact pads only - do not allow grease near the friction material area.
9. 9

   Prepare adjuster mechanism
   Clean the star wheel adjuster threads with brake cleaner and a wire brush. Collapse the adjuster to its shortest length by rotating the star wheel. Apply a small amount of high-temperature brake grease to the threads. Verify the adjuster operates smoothly through its full range. The socket end (with threads visible) installs toward the primary (leading) shoe.
10. 10

    Install new brake shoes
    Position the new primary shoe (shorter lining or marked 'primary') at the front of the backing plate. Connect the parking brake cable to the lever on the secondary shoe. Position the secondary shoe at the rear. Connect both shoes to the star wheel adjuster at the bottom - socket end toward primary shoe, threaded end toward secondary shoe. Install the hold-down pins from the rear of the backing plate through the shoe webs. Install the spring and retainer on each pin, pressing down and rotating 90 degrees to lock.
11. 11

    Install return springs and adjuster hardware
    Install the secondary return springs on both shoes (springs connecting each shoe to the anchor pin at top). Using brake spring pliers, stretch and hook the primary return spring connecting the tops of both shoes to the anchor pin. Install the adjuster lever on the secondary shoe pin. Connect the adjuster lever spring between the lever and secondary shoe. Position the adjuster lever so it engages the star wheel teeth. Verify all springs are fully seated and in correct positions per original assembly.
12. 12

    Install brake drums
    Verify the adjuster is fully collapsed. Clean the hub mounting surface with brake cleaner. Slide the drum over the shoes and onto the hub. The drum should slide on with minimal resistance. If drum will not fit, further retract the adjuster. Once drum is fully seated, perform initial adjustment by rotating the star wheel upward (using brake spoon through adjustment slot) until light drag is felt when rotating the drum. Then back off the adjuster until the drum rotates freely with only very slight drag (typically 5-8 clicks). The self-adjusters will complete final adjustment during driving. Repeat for the opposite side.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install wheels and thread lug nuts by hand until snug. Lower vehicle until tires just contact the ground but weight is still on jack stands. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to 85-95 ft-lb. Remove jack stands and fully lower vehicle. Perform final lug nut torque check in star pattern.
14. 14

    Adjust brakes and test parking brake
    Pump the brake pedal 10-15 times to seat the shoes against the drums. The pedal should become firm. If pedal goes to floor, recheck all assembly steps. Test parking brake engagement - it should hold the vehicle on a slight incline with 3-5 clicks of the parking brake lever. If parking brake is weak, adjust the cable at the equalizer under the vehicle. A spongy pedal after shoe replacement is usually caused by unseated shoes or under-adjustment; recheck adjustment and re-seat shoes. Only bleed the system if a wheel cylinder or hydraulic line was opened during service.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is described in the procedure steps above, as drum brake service requires complete disassembly and reassembly.
2. Ensure all springs are properly seated with no interference against rotating components.
3. Verify brake adjustment provides free drum rotation with no drag before test driving.
4. Double-check that parking brake cable is properly connected and routes do not interfere with axle or suspension movement.

Verification

• Pump brake pedal 15-20 times. Pedal should be firm and not sink to floor with sustained pressure.
• Visually inspect around drums for any brake fluid leaks from wheel cylinders or brake lines.
• Rotate each rear wheel by hand - should turn freely with no binding or scraping sounds.
• Test parking brake holds vehicle on slight incline with 3-5 clicks of lever engagement.
• In a safe, empty area at low speed (under 10 mph), apply brakes gently several times. Vehicle should stop straight without pulling to either side.
• After initial test, recheck brake adjustment and lug nut torque before returning to normal service.
• During first 200 miles, verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or pulling during braking. Some light brake smell during break-in is normal.

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