Replace drum brake hardware kit including springs, adjusters, and hold-down hardware on the rear axle to restore proper brake operation and prevent premature brake shoe wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear drum brake hardware kit (springs, adjusters, pins) × 2 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Brake parts cleaner aerosol × 1 — Non-chlorinated brake cleaner
• High-temperature brake grease × 1 — Use brake-specific grease only

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands placed on frame rails
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Take photos of drum brake assembly before disassembly for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the drum retaining clip if present. Pull drum straight off hub. If drum is stuck, use two appropriately sized bolts threaded into the drum's removal holes to push drum off evenly. On 2011-2014 F-150, drums may be seized due to rust buildup on hub pilot. Tap drum lightly with rubber mallet if needed, rotating drum between taps. Do NOT strike brake components inside drum.
2. 2

   Inspect and clean drum
   Spray drum interior and all brake components thoroughly with brake parts cleaner. Wipe clean with rags. Inspect drum for cracks, severe scoring, or excessive wear. Measure drum diameter if possible - consult service manual for maximum diameter specification. Set drum aside in clean area.
3. 3

   Remove upper return spring
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully remove the upper return spring connecting the tops of both brake shoes. This is typically the larger diameter spring with highest tension. Hook tool onto spring end, pull outward to disengage from anchor post or shoe, then guide spring away from assembly. Keep face and hands clear of spring path.
   ⚠️Spring is under extreme tension. Ensure tool has secure grip before applying force. If spring slips, it can cause serious injury.
4. 4

   Remove shoe hold-down springs and pins
   Remove the hold-down springs and retaining pins from both brake shoes. Use brake spring tool to press down on the spring cap while rotating 90 degrees to disengage from pin. The pin should then push through from behind backing plate. Remove both front and rear shoe hold-downs. Keep hardware organized.
5. 5

   Remove adjuster spring and cable
   Disconnect the adjuster cable spring from the anchor post. Remove the cable guide from the secondary shoe. Unhook the adjuster lever spring and remove the adjuster lever assembly. Note the position and orientation of all components for reassembly.
6. 6

   Remove lower return spring and shoes
   Using brake spring pliers, remove the lower return spring connecting the bottom of both shoes. Spread shoes apart at bottom and disengage from wheel cylinder push rods at top. Carefully remove both brake shoes as an assembly, taking care not to damage wheel cylinder boots. Note that parking brake cable remains attached - slide shoes off cable.
7. 7

   Remove adjuster mechanism
   Separate the star wheel adjuster assembly from the brake shoes. Note the orientation - adjusters are typically side-specific (left/right). Clean adjuster thoroughly with brake cleaner and wire brush. Ensure star wheel rotates freely. Apply small amount of high-temperature brake grease to adjuster threads.
8. 8

   Clean backing plate and inspect wheel cylinder
   Thoroughly clean backing plate with brake parts cleaner, removing all dust and debris. Inspect wheel cylinder for signs of leakage (wetness around boots). Check that wheel cylinder pistons did not extend - if they did, carefully push them back in. Apply thin film of high-temperature brake grease to the six shoe contact pads on backing plate where shoes ride.
9. 9

   Install new hardware kit components
   Install new hold-down pins through backing plate from rear. Position the brake shoes (with parking brake lever still attached to secondary/rear shoe) onto backing plate, engaging parking brake cable. Install new hold-down springs and caps onto pins, pressing and rotating 90 degrees to lock. Refer to photos taken during disassembly and opposite side brake assembly.
10. 10

    Install adjuster assembly
    Install the cleaned and lubricated adjuster screw between the lower ends of the brake shoes, ensuring correct left/right orientation and that the star wheel is accessible from the rear of backing plate. Install new lower return spring between the shoes using brake spring pliers.
11. 11

    Install adjuster cable and lever
    Install new adjuster cable guide on secondary shoe web. Position new adjuster lever on shoe and install adjuster lever spring. Connect adjuster cable to anchor post with new cable spring. Ensure cable is properly routed over cable guide and engages adjuster lever correctly.
12. 12

    Install upper return spring
    Using brake spring pliers, install new upper return spring between the tops of both brake shoes at the anchor post. Ensure spring is properly seated in shoe webs and anchor. Verify all components are correctly positioned by comparing to photos and opposite side assembly.
    ⚠Ensure spring ends are fully seated in shoes and anchor. Improper installation can cause brake failure.
13. 13

    Adjust brake shoes and install drum
    Rotate star wheel adjuster to expand shoes until drum slides over shoes with slight drag. On 2011-2014 F-150, initial adjustment should allow drum to install with moderate resistance. Clean drum mounting surface on hub and inside drum pilot. Install drum and tap into place with rubber mallet if needed. The parking brake being engaged during this step can help center the shoes.
14. 14

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-13 on the opposite rear wheel, using the completed side as reference. Ensure both sides have matching hardware installation and similar adjuster settings for balanced braking.
15. 15

    Install wheels and perform final adjustment
    Install rear wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground. Pump brake pedal several times until firm - pedal should not go to floor. The self-adjusting mechanism will fine-tune shoe position during initial driving. Make 15-20 forward and reverse stops from 15-20 mph in safe area to seat brake shoes and complete automatic adjustment.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all brake hardware components are installed and springs properly seated
2. Ensure brake drums rotate freely with only slight drag from shoe contact
3. Confirm parking brake cable moves freely and is not binding
4. Double-check that wheel lug nuts are torqued to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in star pattern

Verification

• Test brake pedal feel - should be firm and not travel more than halfway to floor
• Verify parking brake holds vehicle on incline and releases fully
• Test drive in safe area at low speeds, verifying even braking with no pulls or grabbing
• Listen for any unusual noises from rear brakes during initial break-in period
• After 50-100 miles, re-verify wheel lug nut torque and check for any brake fluid leaks
• Brake performance should improve after 200-300 miles of normal driving as shoes seat to drums
• If brake pedal is soft or spongy after work, brake system may require bleeding - consult professional

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