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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear drum brake hardware kit (includes springs, hold-downs, adjusters) × 2 — Motorcraft BRRF-304 or equivalent
• Brake parts cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated type
• High-temperature brake grease × 1 — Silicone-based brake lubricant

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and place transmission in Park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual)
2. Apply parking brake if front wheels are chocked; release parking brake if working on rear brakes with parking brake mechanism
3. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking points
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails
7. Remove rear wheels completely
8. Verify vehicle is stable before working underneath

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the brake drum retaining clips if present (these are usually installation aids and may not be present). Pull the drum straight off the hub. If drum is stuck due to rust or brake shoe wear, thread two M8 bolts into the threaded holes on the drum face and tighten evenly to push drum off hub. If drum is seized by brake shoe adjustment, access the adjuster slot on the backing plate and rotate the adjuster star wheel to retract shoes.
2. 2

   Inspect drum and brake assembly
   Measure drum inside diameter with caliper or micrometer. Maximum diameter is typically 279mm (11.0 inches) - consult service manual for exact specification. Inspect for cracks, heat checking, or deep scoring. Check brake shoe thickness - minimum is typically 1.5mm above rivet heads. Take a photo of the brake assembly for reference during reassembly, noting spring positions and routing.
3. 3

   Clean brake assembly
   Spray entire brake assembly thoroughly with brake parts cleaner and allow to drip into a drain pan. Use a wire brush to remove rust and debris from backing plate ledges and anchor points. Do not use compressed air to clean brake dust. Clean the drum interior surface with brake cleaner and inspect for rust or contamination.
   ⚠Brake dust may contain asbestos. Use only brake parts cleaner, never compressed air, and work in well-ventilated area.
4. 4

   Remove upper return spring
   Using brake spring pliers or removal tool, carefully remove the upper return spring connecting the two brake shoes at the top. Note the exact position and orientation of the spring - some springs have different hook ends for leading vs trailing shoes. Release tension slowly and carefully to prevent spring from snapping free.
   ⚠Brake springs are under high tension. Use proper tools and wear safety glasses. Control the spring during removal to prevent injury.
5. 5

   Remove hold-down springs and pins
   Using a brake hold-down spring tool, press and rotate each hold-down spring retainer 90 degrees to align with the pin slot. Remove the retainer, spring, and pin from each brake shoe. Keep components organized by position (leading vs trailing shoe) if they differ. Inspect pins for wear or damage.
6. 6

   Remove adjuster assembly and lower spring
   Unhook the adjuster lever spring from the adjuster lever. Remove the adjuster lever. Disconnect the lower return spring from both shoes. Remove the adjuster screw assembly by pulling shoes apart slightly. Note the orientation of the adjuster - the star wheel must face the correct direction for proper operation (typically toward the rear of the vehicle).
7. 7

   Remove remaining springs and hardware
   Remove the parking brake lever strut and spring if present. Carefully disconnect the parking brake cable from the parking brake lever on the trailing shoe. Note the exact routing and connection method. Remove any additional spring clips or anti-rattle hardware from the old hardware kit.
8. 8

   Clean and lubricate backing plate
   Clean all six brake shoe contact pads on the backing plate with brake cleaner and wire brush. Apply a thin coat of high-temperature brake grease to each of the six raised contact pads where the brake shoes ride. Do not over-apply - excess grease can contaminate brake linings. Clean the adjuster screw threads and apply brake grease to threads and socket end.
9. 9

   Install new adjuster assembly
   Compare new adjuster assembly to old one to verify correct parts. Clean new adjuster threads and apply high-temperature brake grease. Adjust the adjuster screw to approximately the same length as the old one for initial installation. Install the adjuster between the brake shoes with the star wheel positioned toward the rear and accessible through the backing plate adjustment slot.
10. 10

    Install new hold-down springs and pins
    Install hold-down pins through the backing plate from the rear. Position each brake shoe against the backing plate. Install the hold-down spring over each pin, then install the retainer. Use the hold-down spring tool to press the retainer and rotate 90 degrees to lock it onto the pin. Ensure shoes are properly seated on wheel cylinder pistons and anchor point.
11. 11

    Install new lower return spring
    Install the new lower return spring between the two brake shoes at the bottom. Use spring pliers to stretch and hook the spring into the correct holes on each shoe. Verify spring is fully seated in the shoe holes and not twisted.
12. 12

    Install adjuster lever and spring
    Position the new adjuster lever against the leading shoe and adjuster assembly. Install the adjuster lever spring, hooking one end to the adjuster lever and the other to the leading brake shoe. Ensure the lever properly engages with the adjuster star wheel and can pivot freely.
13. 13

    Install parking brake strut and hardware
    Install the new parking brake strut spring and strut between the parking brake lever and the opposite shoe (if equipped). Reconnect the parking brake cable to the parking brake lever, ensuring the cable is properly seated and secured. Verify the parking brake lever moves freely and returns to the rest position.
14. 14

    Install new upper return spring
    Install the new upper return spring between the two brake shoes at the top anchor point. Use spring pliers to carefully stretch and hook the spring into the correct holes on each shoe. Verify spring orientation matches your reference photo and is fully seated. Double-check that all components are properly positioned and no springs are twisted or incorrectly routed.
    ⚠Verify all springs match the positions shown in your reference photo before proceeding.
15. 15

    Adjust and install drum
    Rotate the adjuster star wheel through the backing plate slot until the brake shoes contact the inside of the drum when installed (drum should drag slightly). Back off the adjuster 8-10 clicks until drum rotates freely with slight drag. Install drum onto hub, ensuring it seats fully against the hub face. If equipped, install new drum retaining clips. Repeat entire procedure on opposite side.
16. 16

    Install wheels and torque lug nuts
    Install rear wheels and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground to prevent wheel rotation. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform final lug nut torque check in star pattern with vehicle on ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Before moving vehicle, pump brake pedal slowly several times to ensure proper brake shoe positioning
2. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off with DOT 4 LV brake fluid if needed
3. Parking brake may require adjustment after hardware replacement - consult service manual for procedure
4. Verify both rear wheels completed before test driving vehicle

Verification

• Pump brake pedal 10-15 times with engine off - pedal should become firm and hold steady pressure
• Check brake fluid level in reservoir - should be between MIN and MAX marks
• Test parking brake operation - should hold vehicle on incline and release fully
• Perform low-speed test drive in safe area - brakes should apply smoothly without pulling to one side
• Listen for unusual noises during brake application - clicking or scraping indicates incorrect installation
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check lug nut torque and brake adjustment
• Brake performance will improve after 200-300 miles of normal use as hardware seats in
• If brake pedal is soft, pulls to one side, or makes unusual noises, do not drive vehicle - recheck installation immediately

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