Replace rear drum brake hardware including springs, adjusters, and hold-down hardware to restore proper brake function and safety.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Drum brake hardware kit (includes springs, adjuster lever, hold-downs) × 2 — Use OEM specification - Mopar kit or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface 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 ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Verify parking brake is released before proceeding with brake work

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the brake drum retaining clips if present. Pull the drum straight off the hub. If drum is seized, use a rubber mallet to tap around the outer edge. If drum will not remove due to brake shoe adjustment, access the adjuster through the backing plate access hole and turn the star wheel to retract shoes. Note: Work on ONE side at a time, leaving the opposite side assembled as reference.
   ⚠If drum is difficult to remove, do not force it. Excessive force can damage wheel bearings or backing plate.
2. 2

   Document assembly configuration
   With the drum removed, take clear photos from multiple angles showing the position of all springs, adjusters, and hardware. Note the orientation of the adjuster lever and the routing of each spring. This documentation is critical for proper reassembly.
   ℹ️Spring positioning varies by design. Your photos are the best reference for correct reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove hold-down springs and pins
   Using the hold-down spring tool, compress each hold-down spring and rotate 90 degrees to release from the pin. Remove the spring, retainer cup, and pin from each brake shoe. Keep track of all components as they will be replaced with new hardware from the kit.
   ⚠Hold-down springs are under tension. Keep control of the tool to prevent the spring from releasing suddenly.
4. 4

   Remove return springs
   Using brake spring pliers or the drum brake spring tool, remove the upper return spring first, then the lower return spring. Note which holes the springs attach to on the backing plate and shoes. These springs are under high tension, so work carefully and maintain control of the tool.
   ⚠Return springs are under very high tension. Ensure tool is properly engaged before releasing tension. Wear safety glasses.
5. 5

   Remove adjuster assembly and lever
   Disconnect the adjuster lever spring from the lever. Remove the adjuster lever and the adjuster cable (if equipped). Remove the automatic adjuster mechanism (star wheel assembly) by spreading the shoes slightly. Note the orientation of the adjuster for reassembly - the star wheel should face the backing plate.
6. 6

   Clean and inspect backing plate
   Spray all components with brake cleaner and wipe clean with a rag - never use compressed air. Wire brush the backing plate shoe contact pads (raised pads where shoes contact the backing plate). Inspect the wheel cylinder for leaks - if any brake fluid is present, the wheel cylinder must be replaced before continuing. Inspect backing plate for damage or excessive rust.
   ⚠Do not allow brake cleaner to contact rubber components or wheel cylinder dust boots.
7. 7

   Install new hardware kit components
   Using your reference photos, begin installation with the new hardware. Install new hold-down pins through the backing plate from the rear. Place brake shoes in position and install new hold-down springs, cups, and retainers. Compress each spring with the hold-down tool and rotate 90 degrees to lock. Ensure shoes are properly seated on the backing plate contact pads.
8. 8

   Install adjuster mechanism
   Clean the adjuster star wheel assembly threads and lubricate lightly with high-temperature brake grease (if included in kit). Install the adjuster between the shoes in the correct orientation with the star wheel facing the backing plate. The adjuster typically installs at the bottom of the shoe assembly.
   ℹ️Left and right adjusters may have different thread directions. Ensure you are using the correct side adjuster.
9. 9

   Install new springs and adjuster lever
   Install the new adjuster lever and cable in the same position as the original. Attach the adjuster lever spring. Install the new lower return spring first, then the upper return spring, using the brake spring tool. Verify all springs are properly seated in their mounting holes and that the adjuster lever engages the star wheel correctly.
   ⚠Ensure springs are fully seated. Partially seated springs can disengage during operation, causing brake failure.
10. 10

    Verify assembly and adjust
    Compare the completed assembly to your reference photos and the opposite side (still assembled). Verify all hardware is installed and springs are properly engaged. Turn the adjuster star wheel to expand the shoes until they are slightly smaller than the drum inside diameter. The drum should slide on with slight drag. Test the adjuster lever operation by pulling it away from the star wheel - it should move freely and return to position.
11. 11

    Install brake drum
    Clean the inside of the brake drum with brake cleaner. Slide the drum onto the hub, ensuring it seats fully. If excessive force is required, the shoes are adjusted too far out - retract the adjuster. Install drum retaining clips if originally equipped. Do not install the wheel yet.
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 11 for the opposite rear wheel, using the first completed side as your reference. Ensure all hardware is installed identically on both sides.
13. 13

    Install wheels and perform final torque
    Install both rear wheels. Thread lug nuts on by hand. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact the ground but suspension is not loaded. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. With vehicle on ground, pump brake pedal slowly 10-15 times to seat brake shoes and activate automatic adjusters
2. Parking brake should engage within 4-6 clicks - if not, check parking brake cable adjustment
3. Test drive in safe area at low speed to verify brake operation before returning to normal service

Verification

• Brake pedal should feel firm with normal travel after pumping several times
• No grinding, squealing, or unusual noises from rear brakes during light brake application
• Vehicle should brake in a straight line without pulling to either side
• Parking brake should hold vehicle securely on an incline within 4-6 clicks
• Perform multiple stops from 25-30 mph to verify proper brake function and automatic adjuster operation
• After test drive, verify drums are not excessively hot compared to each other - significant temperature difference indicates a dragging shoe or seized component

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