Parking Brake Shoes

Replace the internal drum-style parking brake shoes on a 1972 Ford F-100, which are located inside the rear disc brake rotor hubs (or rear drum brake assemblies if equipped).

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Parking brake shoe set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake shoe return springs (if not included in kit) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake shoe hold-down springs and pins (if not included in kit) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake shoe adjusting screw assembly × 2 — Use OEM specification
• High-temperature brake grease × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and place transmission in Park (automatic) or gear (manual).
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on the ground, but do not remove.
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear axle housing or frame rail.
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight, positioned under frame rails or axle housing.
6. Remove rear wheels completely.
7. Release parking brake lever/pedal fully to relieve cable tension.
8. If working on disc brake models with drum-in-hat parking brake, verify rotor can be removed (may need to back off parking brake adjuster through access hole).

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and rotor (disc brake models)
   The 1972 F-100 is equipped with rear drum brakes. Proceed to step 2.kip to step 2.
2. 2

   Access parking brake drum assembly
   The 1972 F-100 uses rear drum brakes where the brake shoes serve both service braking and parking brake functions. Remove any drum retaining screws. If drum does not pull off easily, back off the brake shoe adjuster through the access slot in the backing plate using a brake spoon or flathead screwdriver. spoon or flathead screwdriver.
3. 3

   Inspect and photograph shoe arrangement
   Before disassembly, carefully observe and photograph the arrangement of springs, clips, and shoe positions. Note the position of the adjuster mechanism (typically installed with star wheel toward the rear). This will be your reference during reassembly. The primary shoe (shorter lining, toward front) and secondary shoe (longer lining, toward rear) are different sizes on this duo-servo drum brake.
4. 4

   Remove shoe return springs
   Using brake spring tool, carefully remove the upper and lower return springs connecting the two shoes. Hook the tool onto the spring end, apply leverage against the shoe web, and unhook from the anchor post or shoe tab. Work slowly to avoid spring flying loose. Remove upper spring first, then lower spring.
5. 5

   Remove shoe hold-down springs and pins
   Each shoe is retained by a hold-down spring and pin assembly. Using hold-down spring tool (or needle nose pliers), press down on the spring retainer cap while rotating 90 degrees to align with the pin slot. Release pressure and remove cap, spring, and pin from behind the backing plate. Remove hardware from both shoes.
6. 6

   Disconnect parking brake cable and remove shoes
   Disconnect the parking brake cable from the lever attached to the trailing (rear) shoe. This typically involves unhooking the cable end from the lever arm. Spread shoes apart at the top and bottom, then lift the shoe assembly away from the backing plate and adjuster mechanism. Remove the adjuster screw assembly by unhooking it from both shoes.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect backing plate and hardware
   Thoroughly clean the backing plate, adjuster mechanism, and all hardware using brake cleaner and wire brush. Inspect backing plate for cracks, wear grooves, or damage. Inspect adjuster threads for damage or corrosion. Inspect parking brake lever for wear or cracks. Replace any damaged components. Clean the inside of the brake drum thoroughly.
8. 8

   Lubricate backing plate contact points
   Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to the 6 raised contact pads on the backing plate where the shoe webs ride (3 on each side, typically at top anchor, middle support, and bottom anchor). Apply grease to the adjuster screw threads and socket. Do NOT get grease on friction surfaces of shoes or drum.
9. 9

   Transfer parking brake lever to new shoe
   Remove the parking brake lever from the old trailing shoe by removing the retaining clip or C-clip. Install lever onto the new trailing shoe in the same position and orientation, securing with a new or reused clip. Verify lever pivots freely.
10. 10

    Install new shoes with adjuster
    Connect the adjuster screw assembly between the lower ends of both new shoes (star wheel typically toward rear of vehicle). Hook the parking brake cable to the lever on the trailing shoe. Position the shoe assembly onto the backing plate, seating the upper ends into the anchor slot and the lower ends against the adjuster. The shoe webs should sit flat against the lubricated contact pads.
11. 11

    Install hold-down springs and pins
    Insert hold-down pins from behind the backing plate through the shoe webs. Place the spring and retainer cap over each pin. Using the hold-down spring tool, press down and rotate the cap 90 degrees to lock it onto the pin. Verify both shoes are secure and properly seated on the backing plate.
12. 12

    Install return springs
    Install the lower return spring first, hooking one end to the leading shoe and stretching it to hook onto the trailing shoe using the spring tool. Install the upper return spring in the same manner. Verify both springs are fully seated in their hooks or anchor points. Shoes should be pulled tightly against the anchor at the top.
13. 13

    Pre-adjust parking brake shoes
    Rotate the adjuster star wheel to expand the shoes until they are slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the drum. Use a brake adjustment gauge if available, or measure the drum inside diameter and set the shoe outer diameter slightly smaller so the shoes just lightly drag when the drum is installed, then back off the star wheel a few clicks until the drum turns freely. Shoes should drag very slightly when drum is installed but still rotate.
14. 14

    Reinstall drum and rotor
    Clean drum surface thoroughly with brake cleaner. Install drum over shoes (may require backing off adjuster slightly if too tight). For disc brake models, install rotor over drum assembly. Rotor should rotate with only very slight drag. If excessive drag, back off adjuster. Install rotor retaining clip if equipped.
15. 15

    Reinstall caliper (disc brake models)
    Reinstall the brake drum. If drum retaining screws were present, install and tighten them.
16. 16

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat the entire procedure for the opposite rear wheel. Ensure both sides are adjusted similarly for even parking brake operation.
17. 17

    Adjust parking brake cable
    With both rear shoes installed, locate the parking brake cable adjuster (typically at the equalizer under the vehicle or at the parking brake lever inside the cab). Adjust cable tension so that the parking brake lever engages with 3 to 5 clicks of travel. Rear wheels should be locked when lever is fully applied and should rotate freely when lever is released.

Reassembly

1. Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern.
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands until wheels contact ground but vehicle weight is still supported.
3. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern (typically 140 ft-lbs for 1972 F-100, verify for your application).
4. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands and jack.
5. Remove wheel chocks.

Verification

• With engine off and transmission in neutral (manual) or Park (automatic), verify parking brake lever/pedal operates smoothly with 3 to 5 clicks of resistance before wheels lock.
• Attempt to push vehicle with parking brake engaged on level ground. Vehicle should not roll.
• Release parking brake and verify rear wheels rotate freely without dragging.
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify parking brake holds vehicle on a slight incline.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check parking brake adjustment as shoes may seat in, requiring minor cable adjustment.

More procedures for this vehicle