Parking Brake Shoes

Replace the parking brake shoes on the rear axle of a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK with 3.6L engine, which uses a drum-in-hat style parking brake system integrated into the rear disc brake assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Parking brake shoe set (rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Parking brake hardware kit with springs × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake parts cleaner × 1 — Aerosol can

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
2. Ensure parking brake is fully released (lever down, pedal released)
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground (do not remove)
4. Lift rear of vehicle with floor jack at rear differential or frame jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails or axle
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Verify vehicle is stable before proceeding under vehicle

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear brake caliper
   Remove the two caliper mounting bolts (18mm) securing the brake caliper to the caliper bracket. Do NOT disconnect the brake line. Once bolts are removed, carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and suspend it from the suspension or frame using a caliper hanger or mechanic's wire. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the brake rotor by pulling it straight off the wheel hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use a rubber mallet to tap around the hat section to break it free. The parking brake drum is integrated into the inside (hat section) of this rotor. Inspect the drum surface inside the rotor for excessive wear, scoring, or heat damage. Replace rotor if drum surface is damaged beyond specification.
   ℹ️The parking brake shoes ride inside the hat portion of the rear rotor. You will see the parking brake mechanism once the rotor is removed.
3. 3

   Clean and inspect parking brake assembly
   Spray the entire parking brake assembly with brake parts cleaner to remove dust and contamination. Wipe clean with a rag. Inspect the backing plate, wheel cylinder (if equipped), and adjuster mechanism for damage, leaks, or excessive corrosion. Take photos or note the position of springs and hardware before disassembly for reference during reassembly.
   ⚠Do not use compressed air to clean brake components. Use only brake parts cleaner to avoid dispersing potentially harmful brake dust.
4. 4

   Remove parking brake shoe return springs
   Using brake spring pliers or a parking brake tool, carefully remove the upper and lower return springs connecting the two parking brake shoes. Note the position and orientation of each spring. The upper spring is typically longer. Remove springs slowly to prevent injury from sudden release of tension.
   ⚠Springs are under significant tension. Wear safety glasses and ensure the spring tool is properly engaged before releasing tension.
5. 5

   Remove shoe hold-down springs and pins
   Remove the hold-down spring assemblies that secure each shoe to the backing plate. These typically consist of a pin, spring, and retainer cup. Depress the retainer cup while rotating it 90 degrees to align with the pin slot, then remove. Remove both shoes' hold-down assemblies.
6. 6

   Disconnect adjuster mechanism and cable
   Disconnect the parking brake cable from the actuating lever on the rear shoe. Note cable routing. Remove the adjuster screw/star wheel assembly connecting the two shoes. Note which end goes to which shoe and the current adjustment length. Remove the adjuster lever and spring from the shoe assembly.
7. 7

   Remove old parking brake shoes
   With all springs and hardware disconnected, remove both parking brake shoes from the backing plate. Keep old shoes for reference during installation to ensure correct orientation of new shoes.
8. 8

   Clean backing plate and prepare for installation
   Thoroughly clean the backing plate with brake parts cleaner and a wire brush. Clean the adjuster screw mechanism and apply a small amount of high-temperature brake grease to the threads. Clean the shoe contact pads on the backing plate and apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to these contact points only (not to shoe friction surface).
9. 9

   Install new parking brake shoes
   Compare new shoes to old shoes to verify correct parts and identify leading and trailing shoes. Install new shoes onto backing plate, ensuring they are positioned correctly (reference photos taken earlier). Install hold-down pins through backing plate and shoes, then install springs and retainer cups by depressing and rotating 90 degrees to lock.
   ℹ️Shoes may be marked 'L' (leading) and 'T' (trailing) or have different lengths. Ensure correct orientation matching original configuration.
10. 10

    Install adjuster mechanism and springs
    Install the adjuster screw assembly between the two shoes in the same orientation as removed. Connect the adjuster lever and spring to the appropriate shoe. Verify the adjuster is retracted to allow rotor installation. Install the lower return spring, then the upper return spring using brake spring pliers. Ensure all springs are properly seated in their anchor points.
    ⚠Use proper spring installation tools. Springs under tension can cause injury if they slip during installation.
11. 11

    Connect parking brake cable
    Reconnect the parking brake cable to the actuating lever on the rear shoe. Ensure cable moves freely and is properly routed. Verify the cable return spring (if equipped) is installed and functioning.
12. 12

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Clean the rotor hat (drum) surface with brake parts cleaner if reusing the rotor. Slide the rotor back onto the wheel hub, ensuring it seats fully against the hub face. The parking brake shoes should not prevent rotor installation; if they do, verify the adjuster is fully retracted. Rotate the rotor to ensure it spins freely without excessive drag.
13. 13

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Clean the caliper bolt threads and apply medium-strength thread locker as specified. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and align with the caliper bracket mounting holes. Install both caliper mounting bolts and torque to specification in a cross pattern.
    ⚠Thread locker is required on caliper bolts. Failure to use thread locker can result in bolts loosening and brake failure.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Adjust parking brake shoes
    Through the adjuster access hole in the backing plate or rotor (if equipped), use a brake adjuster tool or flathead screwdriver to rotate the adjuster star wheel. Expand the shoes until there is slight drag when rotating the rotor, then back off the adjuster 4-6 clicks until the rotor rotates freely with minimal drag. Repeat for opposite side.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground (weight still on jack stands). Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque lug nuts again in star pattern to verify proper torque. Repeat procedure for opposite side.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. After completing both sides, pump the brake pedal several times to verify normal brake operation
2. Test parking brake operation by engaging and releasing the parking brake several times
3. Verify parking brake holds the vehicle on a slight incline before returning to service
4. Bedding-in: Drive vehicle and apply parking brake gently multiple times (while moving at low speed in safe area if manual adjustment) to seat shoes against drum surface

Verification

• Verify brake pedal feels firm and normal with engine running
• Verify parking brake holds vehicle securely on an incline when engaged
• Verify parking brake releases fully and does not drag when disengaged (no excessive heat or noise from rear wheels during test drive)
• Test drive at low speed and verify normal brake operation with no pulling or unusual noises
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving
• After break-in period (200-300 miles), re-check parking brake adjustment if needed

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