This procedure replaces the drum brake hardware kit on the rear axle of a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including springs, adjuster hardware, and hold-down components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Drum brake hardware kit (includes springs, adjusters, hold-downs) × 2 — Use OEM Ford specification or equivalent
• Brake drum (if worn beyond service limit) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels
2. Ensure parking brake is fully released
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on the ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Verify you have a clear view and access to both rear drum brake assemblies

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Pull the brake drum straight off the hub assembly. If the drum is stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap gently around the outer edge. If the drum will not come off due to brake shoe interference, locate the access hole in the backing plate, insert a flat screwdriver, and push the self-adjuster lever away while turning the adjuster star wheel to retract the shoes. Some drums have threaded holes for removal bolts if drum is seized.
2. 2

   Inspect and measure drum
   Clean the inside of the drum with brake cleaner. Inspect for cracks, scoring, heat discoloration, or excessive wear. Measure the inside diameter with a brake drum micrometer if available. If the drum exceeds the maximum diameter stamped on the drum or shows cracks, it must be replaced. Set drum aside on clean surface.
   ⚠Do not use compressed air or dry brush on brake dust. Use brake cleaner spray only and allow runoff to drip into a container.
3. 3

   Photograph brake assembly
   Before disassembly, take clear photographs of the brake shoe arrangement, spring positions, and adjuster orientation from multiple angles. This will serve as reference during reassembly. Note the position of the primary (front) and secondary (rear) shoes, as they may be different sizes.
4. 4

   Remove brake shoe return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully remove the upper and lower return springs connecting the two brake shoes. These are under high tension. Start with the upper spring, hooking the tool onto the spring and rotating to unhook from the anchor pin or shoe. Then remove the lower spring. Keep springs organized and note their positions.
   ⚠Return springs are under extreme tension. Use proper spring tools and keep hands and face clear of spring path when releasing.
5. 5

   Remove hold-down springs and pins
   Using a hold-down spring tool (or large pliers), compress each hold-down spring while rotating 90 degrees to align the slot in the retainer with the flat on the pin. Remove the retainer, spring, and pin from each brake shoe. There are typically two hold-down assemblies, one per shoe.
6. 6

   Remove adjuster mechanism and cable
   Disconnect the adjuster lever and spring from the secondary shoe. Remove the adjuster cable from the anchor. Unhook the adjuster screw assembly connecting the two shoes. Note the orientation of the adjuster screw (threaded star wheel) - it must be reinstalled in the same orientation. Separate the brake shoes from the backing plate.
7. 7

   Clean backing plate
   Spray the backing plate with brake cleaner, focusing on the six shoe contact pads (raised platforms where shoes rest). Use a wire brush to remove rust and old lubricant from these pads. Clean the adjuster screw assembly with brake cleaner and verify threads turn smoothly. If adjuster is seized or damaged, it should be included in the hardware kit.
8. 8

   Install new hardware from kit
   Unpack the new brake hardware kit. Compare all new springs, hold-down pins, retainers, and adjuster components to the old parts and your reference photos. Apply a thin film of high-temperature brake lubricant (usually included in kit) to the six raised pads on the backing plate where shoes contact. Do not get lubricant on shoe friction material.
   ⚠Only apply lubricant to metal contact points on backing plate. Never contaminate brake shoe lining material with grease or lubricant.
9. 9

   Install brake shoes and hold-downs
   Position the primary and secondary brake shoes on the backing plate in their correct locations (reference your photos). Install the hold-down pins through the backing plate from behind, then install the hold-down springs and retainers on each shoe. Compress the spring and rotate the retainer 90 degrees to lock onto the pin. Ensure shoes are properly seated on the anchor pin at the top.
10. 10

    Install adjuster mechanism
    Install the adjuster screw assembly between the lower ends of the shoes in the correct orientation (reference photos - left and right sides have different thread directions). Connect the adjuster lever to the secondary shoe. Install the adjuster spring and cable, routing the cable over the anchor pin and connecting to the adjuster lever. Verify the adjuster lever moves freely and contacts the star wheel.
11. 11

    Install return springs
    Using brake spring pliers, install the lower return spring between the two shoes. Then install the upper return spring, ensuring both springs are properly seated in their anchor points and shoe web holes. Springs should be centered and not twisted. Verify all hardware is properly positioned by comparing to the opposite side (which should still be assembled) and your reference photos.
12. 12

    Pre-adjust brake shoes
    Turn the adjuster star wheel to expand the brake shoes until they nearly contact the drum when the drum is test-fitted (slight drag is acceptable). This prevents having to pump the brake pedal excessively after installation. The shoes should be close to the drum diameter but still allow the drum to be installed with light hand pressure.
13. 13

    Install brake drum
    Clean the hub surface with brake cleaner. Slide the drum onto the hub, ensuring it seats fully. If equipped, install any drum retaining clips or screws. The drum should rotate with only slight drag from the shoes. If the drum will not install or binds severely, back off the adjuster star wheel slightly.
14. 14

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1-13 for the opposite rear wheel, using the first completed side as reference. Ensure both sides have identical spring and adjuster configurations. Left and right adjusters may have opposite thread directions - verify correct installation.
15. 15

    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 a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. After installation, pump brake pedal firmly 15-20 times with engine off to set shoe-to-drum clearance through self-adjuster operation
2. Check brake pedal feel - it should be firm. If pedal is soft or goes to floor, recheck installation and verify self-adjusters are functioning
3. Test parking brake operation - it should hold vehicle on an incline within 3-5 clicks of the parking brake lever/pedal

Verification

• Start engine and verify brake warning light is off and brake pedal is firm with normal height
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area, applying brakes gently to verify proper operation
• Check for unusual noises, vibrations, or pulling to one side during braking
• Verify parking brake holds vehicle securely on an incline
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• New hardware may require a brief break-in period of 200-300 miles for optimal performance

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