Replace rear drum brake hardware including springs, adjusters, and hold-down clips to restore proper brake operation and eliminate noise or poor performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Drum brake hardware kit (includes return springs, hold-down springs, adjusters, and clips) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket for rear axle
• Brake drum (if worn or scored beyond specification) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• High-temperature brake lubricant × 1 — Use brake-specific lubricant

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Release parking brake to allow drum removal
7. Spray penetrating oil around drum hub if drum has not been removed recently, allow 10 minutes to penetrate

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Pull drum straight off hub. If drum is stuck, use rubber mallet to tap around the outer edge evenly. If drum will not release, there are two retaining screws on some models that must be removed, or the brake shoes may need to be backed off using the adjuster access hole on the backing plate. Insert brake adjusting spoon through access hole and rotate adjuster star wheel to retract shoes.
   ⚠Do not hit drum with excessive force as this can damage wheel bearings or backing plate.
2. 2

   Document spring positions and inspect components
   Before disassembly, take photos of spring positions, adjuster orientation, and hardware placement for reference during reassembly. Inspect drum inner surface for scoring, cracks, or excessive wear. Measure drum diameter if measuring tool available - drum should be replaced if beyond service limit. Inspect wheel cylinder for brake fluid leaks around dust boots.
   ℹ️The opposite side drum assembly should remain intact to serve as a reference during reassembly of the first side.
3. 3

   Remove return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, remove the upper and lower return springs connecting the brake shoes. These are the large springs under high tension. Remove upper spring first, then lower spring. Secure springs away from work area to prevent injury. Keep old hardware organized to compare with new kit.
   ⚠️Return springs are under extreme tension. Ensure spring tool is properly engaged before releasing tension. Wear eye protection.
4. 4

   Remove hold-down springs and pins
   Using hold-down spring tool, compress each hold-down spring while rotating the retaining washer 90 degrees to align with pin slot. Release spring and remove washer, spring, and pin from each brake shoe. There are typically two hold-down assemblies, one on each shoe.
   ⚠Hold-down springs can slip from tool if not properly compressed. Maintain firm pressure while rotating washer.
5. 5

   Remove adjuster assembly
   Disconnect adjuster lever spring from lever and remove adjuster lever. Remove adjuster screw assembly by spreading shoes slightly. Note orientation of adjuster screw - the threaded portion should be positioned correctly for the side being serviced (left and right adjusters are different). Clean adjuster screw threads with wire brush and inspect for damage.
   ℹ️Left and right adjuster screws are not interchangeable. The adjuster star wheel should be toward the rear of the vehicle when installed.
6. 6

   Remove parking brake components
   Disconnect parking brake cable from parking brake lever on rear shoe. Remove parking brake lever retaining clip and remove lever from shoe if replacing shoes, otherwise leave attached. Note position of any anti-rattle clips or springs on the parking brake mechanism.
   ⚠Parking brake lever spring and retaining clip are small and easily lost. Place in container immediately upon removal.
7. 7

   Clean backing plate and inspect
   With all components removed, clean backing plate thoroughly with brake cleaner. Remove all old lubricant, rust, and debris from shoe contact pads. Inspect backing plate for cracks, damage, or excessive rust. Check wheel cylinder boots for fluid leakage - if leaking, wheel cylinder must be replaced before proceeding.
   ⚠Use brake cleaner in well-ventilated area. Do not use compressed air to clean brake components due to potential asbestos exposure.
8. 8

   Lubricate backing plate contact points
   Apply thin layer of high-temperature brake lubricant to the six raised contact pads on backing plate where brake shoes ride. Do not over-apply - excess lubricant can contaminate brake linings. Also apply small amount to parking brake lever pivot points and adjuster screw threads.
   ⚠Never allow brake lubricant to contact brake shoe linings or drum friction surface. Contamination will cause brake failure.
9. 9

   Install new hardware kit components
   Using new hardware from kit, begin reassembly. Install parking brake lever on rear shoe with new retaining clip if provided. Position brake shoes on backing plate and install new hold-down pins, springs, and washers using hold-down spring tool - compress spring, align washer slot with pin, and rotate 90 degrees to lock. Install new adjuster screw assembly between shoes in correct orientation for vehicle side.
   ℹ️Refer to photos taken during disassembly and opposite side assembly to ensure correct positioning of all components.
10. 10

    Install new springs and adjuster mechanism
    Connect parking brake cable to lever. Install new adjuster lever and connect adjuster lever spring. Install new lower return spring between shoes using spring pliers. Install new upper return spring. Verify all springs are properly seated in shoe webs and adjuster components move freely.
    ⚠️Ensure spring pliers are firmly engaged on spring hooks before applying tension. Springs can slip and cause injury.
11. 11

    Adjust brake shoes and install drum
    Measure drum inside diameter or use adjuster to expand shoes until drum slides over shoes with slight drag. Rotate adjuster star wheel to expand shoes - turn in correct direction for your vehicle side. Install drum and rotate to verify even contact. Back off adjuster 10-12 clicks until drum rotates freely with slight drag. Install drum retaining screws if equipped.
    ℹ️Proper initial adjustment is critical. Shoes should drag slightly when drum is rotated but not bind or lock.
12. 12

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Repeat entire procedure for opposite rear wheel, using completed side as reference. Ensure both sides are adjusted equally for balanced braking performance.
    ℹ️Both rear brakes must be serviced during this procedure to ensure even braking. Never replace hardware on only one side.
13. 13

    Install wheels and torque lug nuts
    Install rear wheels onto hubs. Thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Check brake fluid and bleed if necessary
    Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir. Top off with Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid if needed. If wheel cylinders were disturbed or show any sign of leakage, brake system must be bled starting with wheel furthest from master cylinder.
    ⚠Never reuse brake fluid. Use only fresh DOT 4 LV fluid from sealed container. Brake fluid absorbs moisture and deteriorates over time.
15. 15

    Perform brake burnish and final adjustment
    With vehicle safely lowered, pump brake pedal several times to verify firm pedal. Perform 15-20 stops from 30 mph with light to moderate pedal pressure to seat shoes against drums. Make several reverse stops to activate self-adjusters. Check brake pedal height and firmness. Re-check all work and torque specifications.
    ⚠️Test brakes in safe area away from traffic. First test should be at low speed to verify brakes are functioning before normal driving.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all return springs and hold-down springs are properly seated and tensioned
2. Verify adjuster mechanism moves freely and is oriented correctly for vehicle side
3. Confirm parking brake cable is properly connected and parking brake operates smoothly
4. Double-check that no lubricant has contacted brake shoe linings or drum surface
5. Verify drums rotate freely with only slight drag after adjustment

Verification

• Pump brake pedal 10-15 times - pedal should be firm and not sink to floor
• Apply parking brake and verify it holds vehicle on slight incline
• Test drive in safe area at low speed to verify brakes engage smoothly and evenly without pulling to either side
• Perform several moderate stops from 30-40 mph to verify proper brake function and even engagement
• Check for abnormal noises, vibration, or pulling during braking
• After 100-200 miles, re-check brake adjustment and verify drums rotate with only slight drag
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around wheel cylinders after test drive
• Verify brake warning light is not illuminated on instrument cluster

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