Drum Brake Shoes - Rear

Replace rear drum brake shoes on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost, including hardware and adjustment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear drum brake shoe set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Brake hardware kit (springs, pins, clips) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Brake drum (if scored beyond 0.030" or cracked) × 2 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Wheel cylinder (if leaking) × 2 — Use OEM Ford specification
• High-temperature brake grease × 1 — Synthetic ceramic brake lubricant

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and place transmission in Park. Apply parking brake firmly.
2. Chock the front wheels securely on both sides.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground.
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands rated for vehicle weight, positioned on frame rails.
5. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside.
6. Release parking brake to allow drums to rotate freely.
7. Photograph or sketch the brake assembly before disassembly for reference during reassembly.
8. Spray brake assembly liberally with non-chlorinated brake cleaner and allow to drip dry. Wipe with shop towels.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the drum retaining clip (if present) by pulling off with pliers. Attempt to pull drum straight off the hub. If drum is stuck due to shoe adjustment or rust, locate the adjustment access hole on the backing plate (typically covered by a rubber plug). Remove the plug and insert a brake adjusting tool (spoon). Rotate the star wheel adjuster to retract the shoes inward until drum slides off. If drum remains stuck, use a drum puller tool with even pressure on both sides. Do NOT strike the drum with a hammer as this can damage wheel bearings.
   ⚠Brake drums can be extremely heavy and may fall suddenly. Maintain secure grip and keep feet clear.
2. 2

   Inspect drum and wheel cylinder
   Inspect the inside friction surface of the drum for scoring, heat cracks, or hard spots. Measure drum diameter with micrometer or have machined if within 0.030" of maximum diameter stamped on drum. Replace if cracked, heavily scored, or at maximum diameter. Inspect wheel cylinder for any signs of brake fluid leakage around the dust boots. Pull back dust boots slightly to check for wetness. If any leakage is present, the wheel cylinder must be replaced before proceeding.
   ⚠A leaking wheel cylinder will contaminate new brake shoes and cause brake failure. Replace any leaking cylinders immediately.
3. 3

   Remove brake shoe return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully remove the upper return spring connecting the tops of both brake shoes. Maintain control of the spring to prevent injury. Next, remove the lower return spring. Work slowly and deliberately, as these springs are under significant tension. Set springs aside in order for inspection and reuse if included in hardware kit, otherwise discard.
   ⚠️Brake return springs are under extreme tension and can cause severe injury if they slip during removal. Maintain firm grip on tool and keep face and hands clear of spring path.
4. 4

   Remove brake shoe hold-down hardware
   Using the brake hold-down spring tool, compress each hold-down spring while rotating the retaining washer 90 degrees to align with the slot in the spring pin. Remove the spring, washer, and pin from both the primary (front) and secondary (rear) brake shoes. Keep hardware organized for each shoe.
5. 5

   Disconnect parking brake cable and remove shoes
   Note the routing of the parking brake cable before removal. Using needle-nose pliers, compress the parking brake cable spring and unhook the cable from the parking brake lever on the secondary (rear) shoe. Carefully separate both shoes from the wheel cylinder push rods at the top. Remove the adjuster screw assembly connecting the bottom of both shoes. Remove both brake shoes from the backing plate. Note the position of the parking brake lever on the secondary shoe.
6. 6

   Transfer parking brake lever to new shoe
   Remove the parking brake lever retaining clip (horseshoe clip or C-clip) from the old secondary shoe using pliers. Remove the parking brake lever and spring washer. Install the spring washer and parking brake lever onto the new secondary shoe in the exact same orientation. Install a NEW retaining clip (included in hardware kit) to secure. Verify the lever pivots freely.
7. 7

   Clean and lubricate backing plate
   Wire brush all six raised shoe contact pads on the backing plate to remove rust and old grease. Clean thoroughly with brake cleaner. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to the six raised contact pads where the shoe webs will ride. Do NOT get grease on the friction surface area. Apply a small amount of grease to the adjuster screw threads and socket end. Verify adjuster threads turn smoothly and retract the adjuster to its shortest length.
   ⚠Excess grease can migrate to brake linings and cause brake failure. Use only a thin film on contact points.
8. 8

   Install new brake shoes and adjuster
   Position the primary (front) shoe with the shorter lining onto the front of the backing plate. Position the secondary (rear) shoe with the longer lining and parking brake lever onto the rear of the backing plate. Connect the adjuster screw assembly between the bottom of both shoes, ensuring the star wheel is positioned for access through the adjustment hole. Connect both shoes to the wheel cylinder push rods at the top. Install NEW hold-down pins, washers, and springs on both shoes using the hold-down spring tool.
9. 9

   Connect parking brake and install springs
   Hook the parking brake cable onto the parking brake lever, ensuring the cable spring is properly seated. Verify cable moves freely. Install the NEW lower return spring between the bottom of both shoes using brake spring pliers. Install the NEW upper return spring between the tops of both shoes. Ensure all springs are properly seated in their anchor points. Verify shoes are centered on the backing plate and move freely when pulled outward.
10. 10

    Perform initial shoe adjustment
    Measure the inside diameter of the brake drum with a micrometer or drum gauge. Using the brake adjusting tool through the access hole in the backing plate, rotate the star wheel adjuster to expand the shoes to approximately 0.030" (0.75mm) less than the drum inside diameter. This provides a starting point for final adjustment. Verify shoes do not drag when drum is test-fitted (do not fully install drum yet).
11. 11

    Install brake drum
    Clean the hub surface and inside of drum with brake cleaner. Slide the drum over the shoes and onto the hub. Drum should slide on with slight resistance. If drum will not install, back off adjuster slightly. Install drum retaining clip if equipped. Repeat entire procedure on opposite side, using the completed side as reference.
    ℹ️Remember: work on only one side at a time to maintain a reference assembly.
12. 12

    Install wheels and perform final adjustment
    Install wheels onto hubs and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower vehicle until tires just touch ground but jack stands still support weight. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. With parking brake released, pump brake pedal firmly 15-20 times to seat shoes and activate automatic adjusters. Apply parking brake and verify it holds vehicle on an incline (test in safe area). If parking brake travel is excessive, manually adjust star wheel through backing plate access hole until proper engagement is achieved (typically 3-5 clicks).
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Check brake fluid level and test brakes
    Open hood and check brake fluid reservoir. If level is low (which is normal after shoe replacement), add Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid to the MAX line. Do not overfill. Tightly reinstall reservoir cap. Before driving, pump brake pedal firmly multiple times to ensure solid pedal feel. Pedal should be firm and not travel more than halfway to floor. If pedal is soft or travels to floor, there may be air in the system or a leak - DO NOT DRIVE and investigate immediately.
    ⚠️Do NOT drive the vehicle if brake pedal feels spongy, travels to the floor, or if brake warning light is illuminated. System requires immediate professional inspection.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all brake hardware is new and properly installed with correct spring tension
2. Verify parking brake cable is properly connected and moves freely without binding
3. Confirm brake drums are properly seated on hubs with no interference
4. Double-check that wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification in a star pattern
5. Verify brake fluid level is at MAX line with Motorcraft DOT 4 LV fluid

Verification

• Pump brake pedal 15-20 times - pedal should become firm and hold pressure without slowly sinking
• Verify brake pedal height is normal and does not travel more than halfway to floor
• Check that parking brake holds vehicle firmly on an incline within 3-5 clicks of engagement
• Perform a low-speed test drive (under 10 mph in safe area) to verify brakes apply evenly without pulling
• Check for any unusual noises, vibrations, or smells during initial brake applications
• After test drive, check brake drums for excessive heat (use infrared thermometer or carefully touch - should be warm but not burning hot)
• Perform a final brake fluid level check - should remain at MAX line with no leaks visible
• After 50-100 miles, re-check wheel lug nut torque and brake adjustment
• Bedding procedure: Make 20-30 gentle stops from 30 mph to allow shoes to properly seat against drums before heavy braking

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