Wheel Cylinder

Replace the rear wheel cylinder on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD with the 5.0L V8 Coyote engine, including brake drum removal, brake shoe adjustment, and brake system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel cylinder × 1 — Use OEM Ford or quality aftermarket
• Brake hardware kit (if shoes are worn) × 1 — Includes springs and retainers
• Brake shoes (if needed) × 1 — Replace if less than 2mm lining remaining

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
2. Release parking brake
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for truck weight at frame contact points
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Have fresh DOT 4 LV brake fluid ready and verify master cylinder reservoir cap is accessible

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the brake drum by pulling it straight off the hub. If drum is seized, use a brake drum puller or tap gently around the drum edge with a rubber mallet. Some drums have threaded holes for puller bolts. If drum is grooved or shows excessive wear beyond specifications, replace it during reassembly.
2. 2

   Inspect and document brake assembly
   Take a photo of the brake shoe assembly for reference. Inspect brake shoes for remaining lining thickness (minimum 2mm). Note the position of all springs, clips, and hardware. Spray brake assembly with brake cleaner and wipe clean with a rag to remove dust and debris.
3. 3

   Remove brake shoe return springs
   Using brake spring removal tools, carefully remove the upper and lower return springs from the brake shoes. Remove the adjuster spring and adjuster lever. Work slowly to avoid spring tension injuries. Remove the self-adjuster mechanism and note its orientation for reinstallation.
   ⚠Brake return springs are under high tension. Use proper tools and keep hands clear of spring release path to avoid injury.
4. 4

   Remove brake shoes
   Remove the shoe hold-down springs and pins from both brake shoes using a brake spring tool. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the parking brake lever on the rear shoe. Carefully remove both brake shoes from the backing plate, keeping track of all hardware.
5. 5

   Disconnect brake line from wheel cylinder
   Place a catch pan beneath the backing plate. Using a flare nut wrench to prevent rounding, carefully loosen and remove the brake line fitting from the back of the wheel cylinder. Expect brake fluid to drain. Immediately plug the brake line with a rubber cap or threaded plug to minimize fluid loss and contamination.
   ⚠Use a flare nut wrench (not a standard wrench) to avoid stripping the soft brake line fitting.
6. 6

   Remove wheel cylinder mounting bolts
   From the back side of the backing plate, remove the two wheel cylinder mounting bolts (typically 8mm or 10mm). Support the wheel cylinder as you remove the second bolt. Remove the wheel cylinder from the backing plate and discard.
7. 7

   Prepare backing plate and install new wheel cylinder
   Clean the backing plate contact area with brake cleaner and a wire brush. Inspect backing plate for cracks or damage. Position the new wheel cylinder on the backing plate, ensuring the brake line port aligns properly. Install both mounting bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification (typically 10-15 ft-lbs, check service manual if available).
8. 8

   Connect brake line to new wheel cylinder
   Remove the plug from the brake line. Thread the brake line fitting into the new wheel cylinder by hand to ensure proper threading. Tighten the fitting with a flare nut wrench until snug. Do not over-tighten as this can strip the fitting or damage the line.
   ⚠Cross-threading the brake line fitting will require replacement of the line. Thread fitting by hand first to ensure proper alignment.
9. 9

   Reinstall brake shoes and hardware
   Reconnect the parking brake cable to the lever on the rear shoe. Install both brake shoes onto the backing plate using new hold-down pins and springs. Install the self-adjuster mechanism in the same orientation as removed. Reinstall the adjuster lever and spring. Install the upper and lower return springs, ensuring they seat properly in the shoe webbing. Verify all components match your reference photo.
10. 10

    Adjust brake shoes
    Rotate the brake shoe adjuster star wheel to expand the shoes until they drag slightly on the drum when rotated. Back off the adjuster 5-7 clicks until the drum rotates freely with very slight drag. This provides proper clearance for self-adjustment during operation.
11. 11

    Reinstall brake drum and wheel
    Clean the hub surface and inside of brake drum with brake cleaner. Install the brake drum, ensuring it seats flush against the hub. Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground to prevent rotation.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Bleed brake system
    Fill master cylinder reservoir with fresh DOT 4 LV brake fluid to MAX line. Attach clear plastic tubing to the bleeder screw on the new wheel cylinder with the other end submerged in a container with clean brake fluid. Have an assistant slowly pump the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw, allow fluid and air to escape, then close before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in the tubing. Check master cylinder level frequently and top off as needed.
    ⚠Never allow the master cylinder reservoir to run empty during bleeding or air will enter the system requiring complete bleeding of all four wheels.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Complete wheel installation and final torque
    With tire on ground, torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Make two complete passes with the torque wrench to verify all lug nuts are properly torqued.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify brake drum rotates freely with only slight drag
2. Ensure all brake springs and hardware are properly seated and match reference photos
3. Check that parking brake cable is properly connected and functional
4. Verify master cylinder reservoir is filled to MAX line with DOT 4 LV brake fluid

Verification

• Pump brake pedal several times and verify it becomes firm and holds pressure without sinking
• Inspect for any brake fluid leaks at the wheel cylinder and brake line connection
• Test parking brake engagement and release - it should hold the vehicle on an incline
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area and verify proper brake function with no pull to either side
• Road test at various speeds to verify brakes engage smoothly and the pedal feels normal
• After 50-100 miles, re-check wheel lug nut torque and verify no leaks at wheel cylinder
• If pedal feels soft, re-bleed the brake system as air may still be present

More procedures for this vehicle