Drum Brake Shoes - Rear

Replace rear drum brake shoes on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 4WD, including adjustment of parking brake hardware and proper break-in procedure.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear drum brake shoe set (both sides) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Brake hardware spring kit (if not included with shoes) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Brake drum (if worn beyond spec) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake firmly
2. Chock the front wheels securely on both sides
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
5. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
6. Verify parking brake is disengaged before attempting to remove drums
7. Prepare clean workspace for brake components - do not contaminate shoes with oil or grease

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drums
   Remove the two retaining screws or clips from the brake drum face if present. Pull the drum straight off the hub. If drum is stuck due to rust or shoe contact: back off parking brake adjuster completely, apply penetrating oil around drum center, tap drum face evenly with rubber mallet, or use brake drum puller attached to wheel studs. DO NOT strike drum with excessive force as it may crack. If drum has deep grooves or measures over maximum diameter specification (typically 11.03 inches for F-150), replace drum.
   ⚠Drum may be hot if vehicle was recently driven. Allow to cool before handling.
2. 2

   Inspect and photograph brake assembly
   Before disassembly, take photos from multiple angles to reference during reassembly. Inspect wheel cylinder for brake fluid leaks - if fluid is present on backing plate or shoes, wheel cylinder must be replaced before continuing. Check backing plate for cracks or damage. Note position of all springs, clips, and adjusters. Spray entire assembly with brake cleaner and allow to dry, catching runoff with drain pan.
   ⚠️If wheel cylinder is leaking, repair it before installing new shoes or the new shoes will be immediately contaminated and brake failure may occur.
3. 3

   Remove brake shoe hold-down springs and pins
   Locate the two hold-down springs (one on each shoe) that secure shoes to backing plate. Using brake spring tool or hold-down spring tool, press down on spring cap while rotating 90 degrees to align slot with pin head. Release tension and remove spring, cap, and pin. Repeat for second shoe. Keep hardware organized by side (left/right) if reusing.
   ⚠Hold-down springs are under tension. Keep fingers clear of spring path when releasing.
4. 4

   Disconnect and remove upper return spring
   Using brake spring pliers, grasp the upper return spring that connects the tops of both brake shoes and carefully stretch to unhook from one shoe anchor, then the other. This is typically the strongest spring in the assembly. Note the spring's orientation and position for reassembly.
   ⚠Upper return spring has extreme tension. Use proper brake spring pliers and ensure secure grip before releasing. Wear eye protection.
5. 5

   Remove primary (front) brake shoe
   Disconnect the lower return spring from the primary shoe (forward-facing shoe). Remove the primary shoe from the adjuster mechanism and parking brake strut. Lift shoe away from backing plate. Note the position of any clips or anti-rattle springs attached to this shoe.
6. 6

   Disconnect parking brake cable and remove secondary shoe
   Disconnect the parking brake cable from the parking brake lever on the secondary (rear) shoe by compressing the cable spring or removing the retaining clip. Remove the adjuster screw assembly and parking brake strut. Disconnect any remaining springs and remove the secondary shoe from backing plate. If parking brake lever is riveted to old shoe, drill out rivets and transfer lever to new shoe using new rivets or bolts per kit instructions.
   ℹ️The parking brake lever must be transferred from old secondary shoe to new secondary shoe. Do not lose the wave washer and retaining clip.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect backing plate and hardware
   Wire brush the backing plate shoe contact pads (six raised pads where shoes rest). Clean adjuster screw assembly with brake cleaner and verify it turns freely - if frozen or damaged, replace with new adjuster. Inspect all springs for heat damage (blueing, cracks, or distortion) and replace if questionable. Apply thin film of high-temperature brake lubricant to backing plate contact pads only - do NOT get lubricant on friction surface area.
   ⚠Any lubricant contamination on brake shoe friction material will cause brake failure. Apply lubricant only to metal contact points on backing plate.
8. 8

   Prepare and install new secondary (rear) shoe
   If not pre-installed, attach parking brake lever to new secondary shoe with wave washer and retaining clip (or rivets). Verify parking brake lever pivots freely. Connect parking brake cable to lever. Position secondary shoe on backing plate with parking brake components in correct orientation. Install hold-down pin, spring, and cap.
9. 9

   Install adjuster and primary shoe
   Lubricate adjuster screw threads lightly with high-temperature brake lubricant and retract completely (turn star wheel to shortest position). Position adjuster between primary and secondary shoes with star wheel accessible from backing plate access hole. Install parking brake strut between parking brake lever and primary shoe. Position primary shoe on backing plate and install hold-down pin, spring, and cap.
10. 10

    Install return springs
    Install lower return spring between bottom of both shoes using brake spring pliers. Install upper return spring between top of both shoes - this requires significant force and proper spring pliers. Verify both springs are fully seated in shoe slots and not twisted. Install any anti-rattle clips or additional springs per original configuration or new hardware kit instructions.
    ⚠Ensure return springs are properly seated. Improperly installed springs can release during operation causing complete brake failure.
11. 11

    Adjust brake shoes
    Using brake adjusting spoon through access hole in backing plate, turn adjuster star wheel to expand shoes until drum will barely slide over shoes with slight drag. Install drum and rotate by hand - if drum locks up, back off adjuster 8-10 clicks until drum rotates with very slight drag. Proper pre-adjustment prevents excessive pedal travel on first application.
12. 12

    Install brake drum and wheel
    Clean drum friction surface and hub mating surface with brake cleaner. Install drum and secure with retaining screws/clips if equipped (finger tight only). Install wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground to prevent wheel rotation.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts203 Nm (150 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1-12 for the opposite rear wheel. Both rear brake shoe assemblies must be replaced together to ensure balanced braking. Use photos from first side as reference for spring and hardware positioning.
14. 14

    Final wheel torque and lower vehicle
    Torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern (cross pattern). Fully lower vehicle to ground. Re-torque lug nuts in star pattern to final specification with vehicle weight on wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts203 Nm (150 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Set parking brake and adjust brake pedal
    Pump brake pedal firmly 10-15 times with engine off to seat shoes and establish proper pedal height. Check brake fluid reservoir and top off with DOT 4 LV brake fluid if needed (fluid level drops slightly as new, thicker shoes are installed). Set parking brake and verify it holds vehicle on slight incline. If parking brake requires adjustment, access adjusters per Ford service procedure.
    ⚠Use only Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid. Other fluid types may cause system damage.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all return springs and hold-down springs are properly seated and under tension
2. Verify parking brake cable is connected and moves freely
3. Confirm brake drums rotate with only slight drag - excessive drag indicates over-adjustment
4. Check that brake fluid level is between MIN and MAX marks on reservoir
5. Verify all lug nuts are torqued to specification in star pattern

Verification

• Before moving vehicle, pump brake pedal until firm - pedal should be firm within 3-4 pumps and hold steady pressure
• Perform initial test stops at low speed (5-10 mph) in safe area to verify brakes engage evenly without pulling to one side
• Check for abnormal noises, vibration, or grinding during initial brake applications
• Test parking brake hold on slight incline - vehicle should not roll
• Verify brake warning light is off with ignition on and parking brake released
• After 50-100 miles, re-check brake adjustment through backing plate access holes and verify drums rotate freely without excessive drag
• Perform break-in procedure: avoid hard stops for first 200-300 miles to allow shoes to properly seat against drums
• If brake pedal feels soft or spongy after job completion, system bleeding may be required - consult professional service
• Have brake performance professionally verified if any concerns exist before returning to normal driving

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