This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear brake drum on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler with the 3.6L V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake drum × 1 — Use OEM specification

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. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift point on rear axle
5. Support vehicle with jack stands placed securely under frame rails
6. Remove rear wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Release parking brake
   Enter the vehicle and fully release the parking brake. Verify the parking brake lever or pedal is completely disengaged. The parking brake shoes must be retracted for drum removal.
2. 2

   Inspect drum for retention clips
   Check if the drum has any sheet metal retention clips installed from the factory. If present, use a flat screwdriver or pliers to remove and discard these clips. They are not reused during installation.
3. 3

   Remove brake drum
   Pull the brake drum straight off the hub and axle shaft. If the drum is stuck due to rust or brake shoe contact, tap around the outer edge with a rubber mallet. For stubborn drums, apply penetrating oil around the hub center and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. If still stuck, the parking brake shoes may need adjustment through the access hole in the backing plate.
4. 4

   Inspect brake components
   With the drum removed, visually inspect the brake shoes, wheel cylinder, springs, and hardware for wear, leaks, or damage. Check for fluid leaks at the wheel cylinder. If any components show excessive wear or damage, plan to replace them before reinstalling the drum.
5. 5

   Clean hub surface
   Use a wire brush to clean rust and debris from the hub mounting surface where the drum seats. Spray the hub and backing plate area with brake cleaner to remove any contamination. Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth. Do not get brake cleaner on rubber components.
6. 6

   Prepare new drum
   If installing a new drum, remove any protective coating from the inner braking surface using brake cleaner. Clean thoroughly to ensure proper brake function. Inspect the new drum for any shipping damage or defects.
7. 7

   Install brake drum
   Align the drum with the wheel studs and slide it onto the hub. The drum should slide on smoothly over the brake shoes. If resistance is felt, ensure the parking brake is released and shoes are properly positioned. Push the drum fully onto the hub until it seats against the hub face.
8. 8

   Install wheel
   Place the wheel onto the hub, aligning the holes with the studs. Thread all lug nuts on by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench to the specified value.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Lower vehicle
   Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to unload the jack stands. Remove the jack stands and slowly lower the vehicle to the ground. Once fully lowered, perform a final torque check on all lug nuts in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Repeat all steps for the opposite rear wheel if replacing both drums
2. Do not install factory retention clips on the drum - they are single-use installation aids only
3. Ensure parking brake is released during drum installation

Verification

• Verify all lug nuts are torqued to 156 Nm (115 lb-ft) in a star pattern
• Test parking brake function by engaging and verifying it holds the vehicle on a slight incline
• Test service brake function by pressing the brake pedal - it should feel firm and not travel to the floor
• Drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and test brake operation before returning to normal use
• Perform several moderate brake applications to seat the drum properly

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