Replace all drum brake hardware including springs, adjusters, and hold-down clips on the rear brakes to restore proper brake function and safety.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear drum brake hardware kit (both sides) × 1 — Motorcraft BRKT-90 or equivalent
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated brake cleaner
• High-temperature brake lubricant × 1 — Silicone-based brake grease

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and place transmission in Park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual)
2. Chock the front wheels securely in both directions
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands placed on frame rails - never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Ensure parking brake is fully released
7. Verify you have the complete hardware kit for both sides before starting - kit should include return springs, hold-down springs and clips, adjuster springs, and self-adjuster mechanism
8. Take photos of the drum brake assembly before disassembly for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the two Phillips head screws securing the drum to the hub (if equipped). Pull the drum straight off. If drum is stuck, back off the self-adjuster through the access hole in the backing plate using a brake spoon - push the adjuster lever away from the star wheel and rotate the star wheel to retract shoes. If drum is still stuck due to rust, tap around the outer edge with a rubber mallet. Do NOT strike the friction surface.
2. 2

   Clean and inspect brake assembly
   Spray the entire brake assembly thoroughly with brake cleaner and wipe with a clean rag - catch all runoff. Inspect brake shoes for adequate lining thickness (minimum 1/16 inch above rivets), cracks, oil contamination, or uneven wear. Check wheel cylinder for leaks by pulling back dust boots - any fluid indicates replacement is needed. Inspect backing plate for damage. Take detailed photos of spring and hardware positions on this first side.
   ⚠If wheel cylinder is leaking or shoes are contaminated with gear oil, identify and repair the leak before installing new hardware or the new parts will be ruined.
3. 3

   Remove return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, remove the primary return spring (smaller spring connecting the primary shoe to the anchor pin). Then remove the secondary return spring (larger spring connecting the secondary shoe to the anchor pin). Note the position and orientation of each spring. On the 2011-2014 F-150, springs are color-coded - keep them organized.
   ⚠️Return springs are under extreme tension. Keep hands and face clear of spring path when removing. Use only proper brake spring tools.
4. 4

   Remove adjuster assembly and spring
   Disconnect the adjuster spring (small spring connecting adjuster lever to secondary shoe). Remove the adjuster lever and pawl assembly. Remove the adjuster screw assembly by rotating and pulling it out from between the shoes. Note which end connects to which shoe - the threaded portion must go back the same way. Clean the adjuster screw threads with wire brush and inspect for damage.
5. 5

   Remove hold-down hardware
   Using a hold-down spring tool, compress and rotate the hold-down pin retainer on the primary shoe 90 degrees to release it from the pin behind the backing plate. Remove the retainer, spring, and pin. Repeat for the secondary shoe hold-down assembly. If using pliers instead of the proper tool, be extremely careful not to slip and damage the backing plate.
6. 6

   Remove brake shoes and parking brake components
   Lift the primary shoe away from the backing plate. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the parking brake lever on the secondary shoe - use needle-nose pliers to compress the cable spring and unhook it. Remove the secondary shoe. If reusing shoes, mark them 'L' or 'R' for left or right side. Remove the parking brake lever retaining clip from the secondary shoe and transfer the lever to the new shoe if replacing shoes.
7. 7

   Clean backing plate and apply lubricant
   Thoroughly clean the backing plate, especially the six raised shoe contact pads where the shoes ride. Use wire brush and brake cleaner to remove all old grease and rust. Inspect backing plate for cracks or damage. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake lubricant to each of the six shoe contact pads only - do not get lubricant on the shoe friction surface or drum.
8. 8

   Install new hardware on shoes
   Ensure parking brake lever is attached to secondary shoe with new retaining clip from hardware kit. Install new hold-down pins through backing plate from rear. Position secondary shoe (with parking brake lever) on backing plate and connect parking brake cable. Install new hold-down spring, retainer, and compress with tool while rotating 90 degrees to lock. Repeat for primary shoe with new hold-down hardware.
9. 9

   Install adjuster assembly
   Clean and lightly lubricate the threads and socket end of the adjuster screw with high-temp brake grease. Install the adjuster screw assembly between the shoes in the correct orientation (socket end toward secondary shoe on most F-150 configurations - verify against your photos). The adjuster screw must be backed off (shortest length) for installation. Install the new adjuster lever and pawl assembly.
10. 10

    Install new return springs
    Using brake spring pliers, install the new primary return spring from the primary shoe to the anchor pin. Install the new secondary return spring from the secondary shoe to the anchor pin. Install the new adjuster spring connecting the adjuster lever to the secondary shoe. Verify all springs are fully seated and in the correct positions by comparing to your reference photos and the opposite side assembly.
    ⚠️Ensure springs are properly seated in all anchor points before releasing tools. An improperly installed spring can release suddenly causing injury.
11. 11

    Verify assembly and install drum
    Double-check that all hardware is installed correctly by comparing to your photos and the opposite side. Verify parking brake cable is connected and adjuster lever is properly positioned against the star wheel. Measure the drum inside diameter with a brake drum micrometer if available. Clean inside of drum thoroughly with brake cleaner. Install drum over shoes - it should slide on with light resistance. If drum won't fit, verify adjuster is fully retracted. Install drum retaining screws if equipped (hand tight only).
12. 12

    Adjust brake shoes
    Through the adjustment hole in the backing plate, use a brake spoon to rotate the adjuster star wheel upward (expanding the shoes) until the drum will not rotate. Then back off the star wheel 8-10 clicks until the drum rotates freely with only slight drag. The adjuster lever should click against the star wheel teeth - this verifies the self-adjuster mechanism is working. Spin the drum to verify smooth rotation.
13. 13

    Complete second side
    Repeat steps 1 through 12 on the opposite rear brake assembly. Use the original reference photos and the freshly completed side as guides. Ensure both sides are adjusted equally - drums should spin with similar resistance.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and perform final checks
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels just touch ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely. Re-torque lug nuts on ground to verify proper torque.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. After completing both sides, pump the brake pedal several times to verify firm pedal feel - pedal should not go to floor
2. Test parking brake operation - it should hold the vehicle on a slight incline and release fully
3. The self-adjusters will continue to fine-tune shoe position during the first several brake applications in reverse
4. Do not skip the bed-in procedure - new hardware requires proper break-in

Verification

• Test drive in a safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) and verify brakes apply smoothly without pulling to one side
• Perform 10-15 gentle stops from 30 mph to allow hardware to seat and adjusters to find proper position
• Make several reverse stops to activate self-adjusters - brake pedal should become firmer after reverse applications
• Verify parking brake holds vehicle on an incline and releases completely without binding
• Check for unusual noises, vibration, or pulling during braking - any abnormality requires immediate inspection
• After 50-100 miles, verify wheel lug nut torque and re-inspect brake adjustment if pedal feel has changed
• Monitor brake performance for the first 200 miles - new hardware may require a break-in period for optimal performance

More procedures for this vehicle