Parking Brake Shoes

This procedure replaces the rear parking brake shoes on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The parking brake system on this vehicle uses drum-in-hat style shoes integrated into the rear disc brake rotor assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear parking brake shoe set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification or quality aftermarket
• Parking brake hardware spring kit × 1 — Includes hold-down springs, return springs, and adjuster spring
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated brake parts cleaner
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — High-temperature brake lubricant

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and place transmission in Park
2. Engage parking brake and place wheel chocks firmly against both front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear jacking points per owner's manual
5. Place jack stands under rear axle at manufacturer-specified support points
6. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before working underneath
7. Remove rear wheel lug nuts completely and remove both rear wheels
8. Release parking brake pedal/lever to relieve tension on parking brake cables

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear brake caliper
   Remove the two caliper mounting bolts (18mm) from the back of the caliper bracket. Carefully lift the caliper assembly off the rotor without twisting or stressing the brake hose. Support the caliper using a wire hanger or bungee cord attached to the suspension - never let it hang by the brake hose. Do not press the brake pedal with calipers removed.
   ⚠Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally and cause brake failure.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bolts101 Nm (75 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the rotor mounting screw if present (may be Phillips or Torx). If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use penetrating oil around the hub and tap gently with a rubber mallet around the hat section. Do not strike the friction surface. Pull the rotor straight off the hub to expose the parking brake drum inside the rotor hat.
   ℹ️The parking brake shoes are inside the drum portion (hat section) of the rotor. Once removed, you will see the parking brake assembly.
3. 3

   Inspect and document parking brake assembly
   Before disassembly, take clear photos of the parking brake shoe assembly from multiple angles showing spring positions and cable routing. Note the position of the adjuster mechanism (typically at the bottom), upper and lower return springs, hold-down springs and pins, and cable connection point. Clean the assembly with brake cleaner spray and allow to dry.
4. 4

   Remove parking brake shoe return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully remove the upper return spring connecting the tops of both shoes. Then remove the lower return spring or adjuster spring at the bottom. Work slowly as these springs are under significant tension. Keep springs organized and note their positions - upper and lower springs may be different sizes.
   ⚠Brake return springs are under high tension. Ensure spring tool is properly seated before releasing tension to prevent spring from flying loose and causing injury.
5. 5

   Remove shoe hold-down springs and pins
   Each shoe is secured by a hold-down spring and pin assembly. Using brake spring pliers or hold-down spring tool, press down on the spring retainer cup while rotating 90 degrees to release from the pin. Remove the spring, retainer cup, and pin from both shoes. Keep hardware organized by shoe position (leading/trailing).
   Torque spec

   Hold-Down Springs8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect parking brake cable
   Locate where the parking brake cable connects to the actuating lever on the trailing (rear) shoe. Using needle nose pliers, unhook the cable end from the lever arm. Note the cable routing and position for reassembly. Do not kink or twist the cable.
7. 7

   Remove parking brake shoes and adjuster
   With springs and cable disconnected, remove both brake shoes from the backing plate. The shoes will still be connected by the adjuster mechanism. Carefully separate the adjuster screw assembly from between the shoes, noting its orientation (threads face specific direction). Inspect the adjuster for damage or seized threads - replace if it does not turn smoothly.
8. 8

   Clean and inspect backing plate
   Spray the backing plate thoroughly with brake cleaner. Use a wire brush to remove rust and debris from the shoe contact pads (raised platforms where shoes ride). Inspect the wheel cylinder for any signs of brake fluid leakage. If fluid is present, the wheel cylinder must be replaced before proceeding. Clean the adjuster mechanism and verify threads turn smoothly. Apply a thin coat of high-temperature brake lubricant to the six shoe contact pads on the backing plate.
   ⚠If the wheel cylinder shows any sign of brake fluid leakage, it must be replaced. Operating with a leaking wheel cylinder can cause brake failure.
9. 9

   Prepare new parking brake shoes
   Unpack new brake shoes and verify you have a leading (primary) and trailing (secondary) shoe - they are not identical. Transfer the parking brake actuating lever and any other hardware from the old trailing shoe to the new one. Connect the adjuster mechanism between the new shoes in the same orientation as the old assembly. Adjust the adjuster to approximately the same length as it was on the old shoes.
10. 10

    Install new parking brake shoes
    Position the shoe assembly onto the backing plate with shoes fitting into the wheel cylinder slots at the top and resting on the anchor at the bottom. Install the hold-down pins through the backing plate from behind, then secure each shoe with the hold-down spring, retainer cup, and rotate 90 degrees to lock. Ensure shoes are properly seated in wheel cylinder and on the anchor.
    ℹ️Refer to your photos from disassembly to ensure correct shoe positioning and orientation.
    Torque spec

    Hold-Down Springs8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect parking brake cable and install springs
    Hook the parking brake cable end onto the actuating lever on the trailing shoe. Install the lower return spring or adjuster spring first, then install the upper return spring using brake spring pliers. Verify all springs are properly seated in their anchor points and shoes move smoothly when pulled outward. The assembly should self-center when released.
12. 12

    Pre-adjust parking brake shoes
    Rotate the adjuster star wheel to expand the shoes until they are near the inner diameter of the drum. If using a brake shoe gauge, set it to the inner drum diameter and adjust shoes to just contact the gauge. The goal is to have minimal clearance so final adjustment will be quicker. Ensure shoes are centered and move freely without binding.
    Torque spec

    Adjuster Lock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Clean the hub face and rotor hat with brake cleaner. Slide the rotor back onto the hub, ensuring it seats fully. Install rotor mounting screw if equipped. Before installing caliper, retract the caliper piston fully using a C-clamp or piston tool - press slowly and evenly. Position caliper over rotor and hand-start both caliper bolts. Torque caliper mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Bolts101 Nm (75 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Perform initial parking brake adjustment
    With the wheel still off, engage and release the parking brake pedal/lever 10-15 times fully. This allows the automatic adjuster to function and take up clearance. Rotate the rotor by hand - you should feel slight drag from the parking brake shoes. If no drag is felt, check adjuster operation. If excessive drag prevents rotation, back off the adjuster star wheel slightly.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and complete opposite side
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Repeat entire procedure on opposite rear wheel - both sides must be serviced together. Once both sides are complete, lower vehicle partially so wheels just contact ground. Torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Lower vehicle completely and remove jack stands.
    ⚠Both rear parking brake assemblies must be serviced to ensure proper brake balance. Never service only one side.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts203 Nm (150 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps as this job requires sequential installation of new components
2. Ensure all return springs and hold-down springs are properly seated and oriented correctly per your reference photos
3. Verify parking brake cable is properly routed and connected without kinks or binding
4. Confirm adjuster mechanism operates freely and shoes self-center when pulled and released
5. Double-check that all caliper bolts and wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground and engine running, press brake pedal firmly several times to ensure normal brake pedal feel and height
• Engage parking brake fully and attempt to drive forward in Drive with light throttle - vehicle should not move and parking brake should hold securely
• Release parking brake and verify brake warning light extinguishes on instrument cluster
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify normal service brake operation with no pulsation or unusual noises
• Perform 10-15 parking brake applications from inside vehicle to allow automatic adjusters to complete adjustment cycle
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check wheel lug nut torque to specification
• Verify parking brake holds vehicle on a moderate incline without rolling
• Listen for any dragging or rubbing sounds from rear wheels during normal driving - slight initial drag may occur but should disappear after adjustment cycle completes
• If parking brake warning light remains illuminated or parking brake does not hold vehicle securely, immediately have system inspected by a qualified technician

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