This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear brake drum on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost RWD, typically performed during brake shoe service or drum replacement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake drum × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on the ground.
4. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear jacking point.
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified support points on frame.
6. Remove rear wheel completely and set aside.
7. Release parking brake to allow drum to rotate freely.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect drum removal accessibility
   Examine the brake drum and hub assembly. Look for retaining clips or screws that may secure the drum to the hub. Some drums may have small threaded holes for removal bolts. Rotate the drum to ensure the parking brake is fully released and shoes are not preventing removal.
2. 2

   Remove drum retaining hardware if present
   If drum retaining screws or clips are present, remove them completely using appropriate tools. These are typically small Phillips head screws or push-on clips. Note that many F-150 drums are held only by friction and the wheel, with no additional retainers.
3. 3

   Initial drum removal attempt
   Grasp the drum firmly with both hands and pull straight outward away from the hub. If the drum does not release easily, tap gently around the outer edge with a rubber mallet while applying outward pressure. Do not use excessive force that could damage wheel studs.
4. 4

   Address stuck drum if necessary
   If drum remains stuck after initial attempts, apply penetrating oil around the hub pilot area and let soak for 10-15 minutes. The drum may be held by a wear ridge on the inner surface. If your drum has threaded holes on the face, install appropriate bolts and tighten evenly in an alternating pattern to push the drum off the hub. Alternatively, ensure parking brake is fully released and check that brake shoes are not expanded beyond drum internal diameter.
   ⚠Do not strike the drum face directly as this can crack the casting. Only tap the outer rim if using a mallet.
5. 5

   Remove drum from hub
   Once freed, pull the drum straight off the wheel studs and hub assembly. Set aside on a clean surface. Avoid dropping the drum as this can cause cracking or distortion.
6. 6

   Inspect drum and hub surfaces
   Examine the removed drum for cracks, excessive wear, scoring, or out-of-round condition. Measure drum internal diameter if precision tools are available and compare to specification. Inspect the hub pilot surface for corrosion or damage. If drum is being reused, it should be measured and machined if within service limits.
7. 7

   Clean hub mounting surface
   Use a wire brush to clean rust and debris from the hub pilot area where the drum centers. Spray with brake cleaner to remove all contaminants. Ensure the wheel stud threads are clean and undamaged. A clean mounting surface ensures proper drum seating and prevents runout.
8. 8

   Install new or serviced drum
   Align the new or serviced drum with the wheel studs and slide it onto the hub. Ensure it seats fully against the hub face. The drum should slip on with minimal resistance and sit flush. Rotate the drum to verify it spins freely without catching on brake shoes.
9. 9

   Reinstall drum retaining hardware
   If your vehicle was equipped with drum retaining screws or clips, reinstall them now. These are typically tightened snug but do not require high torque. Their purpose is only to hold the drum during assembly.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts
    Place wheel onto hub and thread lug nuts by hand until snug. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground to prevent rotation. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Complete final torque with vehicle fully on ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. After both rear drums are serviced, pump brake pedal several times to restore proper shoe-to-drum clearance if shoes were disturbed.
2. Verify parking brake operates correctly and holds vehicle on an incline.
3. Perform final lug nut torque check after 50-100 miles of driving.

Verification

• Verify drum is fully seated on hub with no wobble or excessive runout when rotated by hand.
• Confirm wheel lug nuts are properly torqued in star pattern.
• Test brake pedal feel - should be firm with normal travel distance.
• Test parking brake engagement - should hold vehicle securely on a moderate incline.
• After test drive, verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or pulling during braking.
• Check for proper brake operation at low speeds in a safe area before returning to normal driving.

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