Drum Brake Shoes - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of rear drum brake shoes on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD, including inspection of brake hardware and adjustment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake shoe set (both shoes) × 2 — Use OEM Ford specification or quality aftermarket equivalent
• Brake hardware kit (springs and retainers) × 2 — Includes hold-down springs, return springs, and adjuster components
• Brake drum (if scored or out-of-round) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
2. Set parking brake (if parking brake mechanism is not being serviced; if servicing parking brake shoes, leave parking brake disengaged)
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on the ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight at proper frame jacking points
5. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
6. Verify brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir is at MAX line before beginning work
7. Take a photo of the assembled brake components on the opposite side for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the brake drum retaining clips if present (these may be omitted on some models). Pull the drum straight off the hub. If drum is seized or stuck due to shoe wear, you may need to back off the brake shoe adjuster through the access hole in the backing plate using a flathead screwdriver and brake spoon tool. If drum is still stuck, use a drum puller or slide hammer attached to the drum bolt holes. Do not strike the drum face with a hammer as this can damage it.
2. 2

   Inspect brake drum and wheel cylinder
   Measure brake drum inside diameter at multiple points to check for out-of-round condition (maximum 0.006 inch variation). Inspect drum surface for scoring, cracks, heat checking, or glazing. If drum shows any cracks, replace immediately. If drum is scored more than 0.030 inches deep or exceeds maximum diameter specification (typically stamped on drum), replace drum. Check wheel cylinder for fluid leaks by inspecting the dust boots - any brake fluid seepage requires wheel cylinder replacement before proceeding.
3. 3

   Remove brake shoe return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully remove the upper and lower return springs that connect the two brake shoes. Note the position and orientation of each spring for reassembly. The primary (front) and secondary (rear) springs may be different sizes. Start with the spring that appears to have the least tension first. Keep face and hands clear of the spring release path.
   ⚠️Return springs are under extreme tension. Ensure brake spring tool is properly seated before releasing tension to prevent spring from flying free and causing injury.
4. 4

   Remove brake shoe hold-down springs and pins
   Each brake shoe is secured to the backing plate by a hold-down spring and pin assembly. Using a hold-down spring tool or appropriate pliers, press down on the spring retainer cup while rotating it 90 degrees to align the slot with the pin head. Release pressure and remove the retainer cup, spring, and pin. Repeat for both shoes. Keep these components organized as they will be reused unless included in your hardware kit.
5. 5

   Disconnect parking brake cable and remove shoes
   Identify the parking brake actuating lever connected to the secondary (rear) shoe. Lift the shoe assembly to create slack in the parking brake cable, then disconnect the cable from the parking brake lever using needle-nose pliers or by carefully prying with a flathead screwdriver. Remove the brake shoe adjuster mechanism (star wheel assembly) and note its orientation - it should be positioned with the star wheel accessible from the rear of the backing plate. Remove both brake shoes from the backing plate.
6. 6

   Transfer parking brake lever to new shoe
   The parking brake actuating lever must be transferred from the old secondary shoe to the new secondary shoe. Remove the horseshoe clip or C-clip securing the lever pivot pin, slide out the pin, and remove the lever and spring. Inspect the lever for wear or damage. Install the lever onto the new secondary shoe in the exact same orientation, ensuring the spring is properly positioned. Secure with the pivot pin and new clip from hardware kit.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect backing plate
   Spray backing plate thoroughly with brake cleaner to remove all brake dust - never use compressed air due to asbestos hazard. Use a wire brush to clean the six shoe contact pads on the backing plate where shoes slide. Inspect backing plate for cracks, damage, or loose mounting bolts. Check wheel cylinder mounting bolts for tightness. Apply a thin film of high-temperature brake lubricant (supplied in hardware kit or use ceramic brake grease) to the six raised contact pads only - do not contaminate friction surfaces.
8. 8

   Clean and lubricate adjuster mechanism
   Disassemble the star wheel adjuster mechanism completely. Clean all components with brake cleaner and wire brush, removing all old lubricant and corrosion. Inspect threads on the adjuster screw for damage or wear. Apply a light coat of high-temperature brake lubricant to the adjuster screw threads and socket. Reassemble the adjuster and verify it operates smoothly through its full range. Back the adjuster all the way in (collapsed position) for initial installation.
9. 9

   Install new brake shoes and adjuster
   Position the primary shoe (shorter lining, front position) on the backing plate and secure with hold-down pin, spring, and retainer. Install the secondary shoe (longer lining, rear position with parking brake lever) and secure with its hold-down assembly. Install the adjuster mechanism between the shoes in the same orientation as removed, with the star wheel accessible from the rear. Ensure the adjuster is properly seated in both shoe webs.
10. 10

    Connect parking brake cable and install springs
    Reconnect the parking brake cable to the lever on the secondary shoe, ensuring it is fully seated. Install the lower return spring between the two shoes first, ensuring proper engagement in the shoe webs. Then install the upper return spring. If your hardware kit includes a shoe guide plate and springs, install these according to the reference photo taken earlier or hardware kit instructions. Verify all springs are properly seated and shoes are positioned correctly on backing plate pads.
11. 11

    Perform initial shoe adjustment
    Using a brake shoe adjustment gauge or caliper, measure the inside diameter of the brake drum. Adjust the star wheel on the shoe assembly to expand the shoes until they are approximately 0.030-0.050 inches smaller than the drum inside diameter. This can be done by inserting a brake spoon or flathead screwdriver through the adjustment access hole in the backing plate and rotating the star wheel. Turn the wheel in the direction that expands the shoes until proper diameter is reached.
12. 12

    Install brake drum and wheel
    Clean the hub face and inside of brake drum with brake cleaner. Ensure no lubricant has contaminated the drum surface or shoe linings. Slide the drum over the shoes - it should require slight resistance but not be overly tight. If drum will not fit, back off the adjuster slightly. Install drum retaining clips if equipped. Install wheel onto hub and hand-thread all lug nuts to ensure proper seating.
13. 13

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 12 for the opposite rear wheel. It is critical that both rear brakes are serviced to maintain balanced braking performance. Use the completed side as a reference for spring positions and component orientation.
14. 14

    Torque lug nuts and lower vehicle
    With both rear wheels installed and lug nuts hand-tight, lower the vehicle until wheels just contact the ground but vehicle weight is still supported by jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even wheel seating. Lower vehicle completely to the ground and remove jack stands. Perform final lug nut torque verification in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Perform final brake adjustment and bedding
    With vehicle on the ground, pump the brake pedal several times until it achieves a firm feel - this may take 10-15 pumps. The pedal should not go to the floor. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder and top off with DOT 4 LV fluid if necessary. Test parking brake engagement. Drive vehicle in a safe area and make 15-20 light stops from 30 mph to allow shoes to seat properly against drums. Avoid heavy braking for the first 100 miles. After initial test drive, recheck lug nut torque.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all return springs and hold-down hardware are properly installed and seated
2. Verify parking brake cable is connected and functioning correctly
3. Confirm brake drums rotate freely without excessive drag after adjustment
4. Verify brake pedal height and feel are normal before driving in traffic
5. All brake components should be clean and free of lubricant contamination on friction surfaces

Verification

• Pump brake pedal 10-15 times - pedal should become firm and not sink to floor
• Check brake fluid reservoir level - should be at MAX line with no leaks visible
• Verify parking brake holds vehicle on an incline and releases fully
• Test drive in safe area at low speed - brakes should apply smoothly without pulling to one side
• Listen for unusual noises during braking - properly installed shoes should be quiet after initial bedding
• After 50-100 miles, recheck lug nut torque and brake fluid level
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around wheel cylinders and brake lines
• Verify even brake shoe wear after 500 miles by removing drums and inspecting contact pattern

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