Replace the rear drum brake wheel cylinder, including brake shoe removal, brake line disconnection, bleeding, and adjustment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wheel cylinder × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Brake fluid × 1 — Mopar DOT 4
• Brake shoe hardware kit (optional) × 1 — Includes springs and pins if worn

Fluids

• Mopar DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and chock front wheels
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts before raising vehicle
3. Raise and support vehicle securely on jack stands at rear axle
4. Remove rear wheel
5. Open brake fluid reservoir cap to ease fluid flow during line disconnection
6. Place catch pan under work area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the brake drum by pulling it straight off the hub. If the drum is stuck, ensure parking brake is fully released. If drum still won't come off, you may need to back off the brake shoe adjuster through the adjustment hole in the backing plate using a brake adjustment tool, or use a drum puller.
2. 2

   Clean and inspect brake assembly
   Spray brake cleaner on the entire brake assembly to wet down any dust. Inspect brake shoes, springs, and hardware for excessive wear or damage. Take a photo of the brake shoe arrangement for reference during reassembly.
   ⚠Wear safety glasses when using brake cleaner under pressure.
3. 3

   Disconnect brake line from wheel cylinder
   Using a brake line wrench, carefully loosen and disconnect the brake line fitting from the back of the wheel cylinder. Immediately plug the line with a rubber cap or brake line plug to minimize fluid loss. Allow fluid to drain into catch pan.
   ⚠Use only a proper line wrench to avoid rounding off the soft brass fitting.
   Torque spec

   Line Fittings23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove brake shoe retaining hardware
   Using brake spring tools, carefully remove the upper and lower return springs from the brake shoes. Remove the hold-down pins and springs by pressing and rotating the retainer cups. Note the position of all components for reassembly.
   ⚠Brake springs are under high tension and can cause injury if they slip during removal.
5. 5

   Remove brake shoes
   Disconnect the parking brake cable from the parking brake lever on the rear shoe. Separate the brake shoes from the wheel cylinder by pulling them away from the pistons. Remove both brake shoes and the adjuster mechanism as an assembly. Keep the adjuster for reuse if in good condition.
6. 6

   Remove wheel cylinder
   Using an 11mm wrench, remove the two bolts securing the wheel cylinder to the backing plate from behind. Carefully pull the wheel cylinder off the backing plate and remove.
   ℹ️Some brake fluid will drain from the wheel cylinder when removed.
7. 7

   Prepare backing plate and install new wheel cylinder
   Clean the backing plate mounting surface with a wire brush. Apply a thin coat of brake-compatible anti-seize to the wheel cylinder mounting bolts (not on braking surfaces). Position the new wheel cylinder on the backing plate and install the two mounting bolts.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect brake line
   Remove the plug from the brake line. Thread the brake line fitting into the wheel cylinder by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a brake line wrench, tighten the fitting to specification.
   ⚠Do not overtighten brake line fittings as they can strip or crack easily.
   Torque spec

   Line Fittings23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install brake shoes and hardware
   Clean and lightly lubricate the shoe contact pads on the backing plate with high-temperature brake grease (not on braking surfaces). Install the brake shoes in reverse order of removal, engaging them with the wheel cylinder pistons. Reconnect the parking brake cable to the lever. Install all hold-down hardware and return springs using the brake spring tool.
10. 10

    Adjust brake shoes
    Turn the brake adjuster star wheel to expand the shoes until the drum will not fit over them. Then back off the adjuster 8-10 clicks until the drum slides on with slight drag. The drum should rotate with minimal resistance.
11. 11

    Install brake drum
    Clean the hub surface and inside of the drum with brake cleaner. Install the brake drum onto the hub, ensuring it seats fully.
12. 12

    Bleed brake system
    Fill the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with fresh Mopar DOT 4 brake fluid. Attach a clear bleeder hose to the wheel cylinder bleeder screw and submerge the other end in a container of brake fluid. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold. Open the bleeder screw to release fluid and air, then close before pedal reaches the floor. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in the discharged fluid. Tighten bleeder screw to specification. Keep reservoir topped off during entire bleeding process.
    ⚠Never allow the brake pedal to go to the floor with the bleeder open, as this can allow air to enter the system.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify brake fluid level is at MAX line in reservoir and cap is secured
2. If replacing only one side, repeat entire procedure for opposite rear wheel
3. Pump brake pedal several times until firm before attempting to move vehicle

Verification

• Pump brake pedal multiple times - it should become firm and not sink to the floor
• Check for any brake fluid leaks at the wheel cylinder and brake line connection
• Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speed to verify proper brake operation
• Verify parking brake holds vehicle on an incline
• Re-check brake fluid level after test drive and top off if needed
• Listen for any unusual noises from rear brakes during initial break-in period

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