Parking Brake Shoes

Replace rear parking brake shoes on 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 4WD. These shoes operate within the rear disc brake rotor hat section.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear parking brake shoe kit (includes shoes, springs, and hardware) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification or quality aftermarket
• Brake parts cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated brake cleaner
• High-temperature brake grease × 1 — Synthetic brake lubricant

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and place transmission in Park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual)
2. Chock front wheels securely with wheel chocks on both sides
3. Release parking brake pedal fully
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Spray brake components with brake cleaner and allow to drip dry - do not use compressed air

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear brake caliper
   Remove the two caliper mounting bolts from the rear of the caliper. Carefully slide caliper off the rotor and support it with a bungee cord or safety wire attached to the suspension - do not let it hang by the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake line.
   ⚠Never allow the brake caliper to hang by the flexible brake hose as this can damage the hose internally.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the rotor from the hub. If the rotor is stuck, thread two M8 bolts into the threaded holes on the rotor face to push it off the hub evenly. The parking brake shoes are now visible inside the rotor hat section of the assembly. Take a photo of the shoe configuration for reference.
3. 3

   Remove hold-down springs and pins
   Using brake spring pliers or a flathead screwdriver, compress and rotate each hold-down spring cup 90 degrees to release it from the hold-down pin. Remove the spring, cup, and pin from each brake shoe. There are two hold-down assemblies total (one per shoe).
   ⚠Hold-down springs are under tension. Control the spring and cup during removal to prevent them from flying off.
4. 4

   Remove adjuster and return springs
   Use brake spring pliers to unhook the upper return spring connecting the tops of both shoes. Remove the adjuster mechanism (star wheel assembly) from between the shoes at the bottom. Unhook and remove the lower return spring and adjuster spring. Note the orientation of the adjuster star wheel for correct reassembly.
   ⚠Return springs are under high tension. Ensure spring pliers have a secure grip before releasing tension.
5. 5

   Remove parking brake cable and shoes
   Disconnect the parking brake cable from the actuating lever on the trailing shoe. This typically requires pushing the cable forward to create slack, then unhooking the cable end from the lever. Remove both brake shoes from the backing plate. Keep track of which shoe is leading (front) and which is trailing (rear).
6. 6

   Clean and inspect backing plate
   Clean the backing plate thoroughly with brake cleaner, using a wire brush on the shoe contact pads. Inspect the backing plate for cracks, damage, or excessive wear. Check that the wheel cylinder (if equipped) is not leaking. Inspect the parking brake cable for fraying or corrosion.
7. 7

   Prepare new brake shoes
   Transfer the parking brake actuating lever from the old trailing shoe to the new trailing shoe if not included in the kit. Apply a thin coat of high-temperature brake grease to the six raised contact pads on the backing plate where the shoes rest. Also apply grease to the threads and socket of the adjuster star wheel mechanism.
   ℹ️Use only high-temperature brake grease on backing plate contact points. Do not get grease on shoe friction material or rotor surface.
8. 8

   Install new brake shoes
   Connect the parking brake cable to the actuating lever on the trailing shoe. Position both shoes on the backing plate in their correct locations (refer to your reference photo). Ensure the shoes are properly seated on the backing plate anchor at the top.
9. 9

   Install hold-down pins and springs
   Insert the hold-down pin through the backing plate and shoe web on each shoe. Place the spring over the pin, then the cup. Using brake spring pliers, compress the cup and rotate 90 degrees to lock it onto the pin. Ensure both shoes are secure.
10. 10

    Install adjuster and return springs
    Position the adjuster star wheel mechanism between the shoes at the bottom, with the star wheel accessible from the back side. Install the lower return spring and adjuster spring. Using brake spring pliers, stretch and hook the upper return spring to connect the tops of both shoes. Ensure all springs are properly seated in their hooks.
    ⚠Verify all springs are correctly positioned and seated. Improper spring installation can cause brake failure.
11. 11

    Adjust parking brake shoes
    Manually turn the adjuster star wheel to expand the shoes until they contact the inside of the rotor hat section when you test-fit the rotor. Then back off the adjuster 10-12 clicks so the rotor spins freely with only slight drag. The rotor should rotate with minimal resistance.
12. 12

    Reinstall rotor and caliper
    Install the brake rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats flush against the hub face. Clean the caliper mounting surfaces and rotor contact area with brake cleaner. Remove the caliper from its support position and slide it over the rotor. Install and hand-tighten the caliper bolts, then torque to specification in a crossing pattern.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-12 on the opposite rear wheel. Use the completed side as a reference if needed. Ensure both sides are adjusted equally for balanced parking brake performance.
14. 14

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact the ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    ⚠Always torque lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure distribution and prevent rotor warping.
    Torque spec

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

    Adjust and bed-in parking brake
    Pump the brake pedal several times to verify normal brake pedal feel. Apply and release the parking brake 10-15 times to seat the shoes. Check parking brake pedal travel - it should engage with 3-5 clicks. If pedal travel is excessive, minor adjustment may be needed at the shoes. Test parking brake holding ability on a slight incline before returning to service.
    ⚠️Verify parking brake holds vehicle on an incline before returning to normal service. Inadequate holding force indicates improper adjustment or installation.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specifications using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Ensure parking brake cable operates freely without binding
3. Verify no tools or parts were left in wheel well area
4. Double-check that all caliper bolts and lug nuts are properly torqued

Verification

• Pump brake pedal - pedal should feel firm and return to normal height within 2-3 pumps
• Apply parking brake - should engage firmly within 3-5 clicks of pedal travel
• Test parking brake hold on a slight incline in both directions with transmission in neutral
• Drive vehicle at low speed and verify normal service brake operation before highway use
• Perform 5-10 gentle parking brake applications from 5 mph to bed-in new shoes
• After 50-100 miles, recheck rear wheel lug nut torque
• Parking brake may require minor adjustment after initial break-in period of 200-300 miles

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