Rear Brake Shoe Replacement

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of rear brake shoes on the 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, including drum service and adjustment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake shoe set (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Brake hardware kit (springs, pins, clips) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel cylinder rebuild kit or new wheel cylinders × 2 — Inspect and replace if leaking
• Brake drum (if worn beyond service limit) × 2 — Measure before ordering
• High-temperature brake lubricant × 1 — Ceramic-based
• Brake adjusting screw kit × 2 — If corroded or seized

Fluids

• DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake firmly.
2. Chock front wheels securely to prevent vehicle movement.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground, but do not remove.
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points and support with jack stands rated for vehicle weight.
5. Remove rear wheels and store safely.
6. Put on appropriate respiratory protection and eye protection before proceeding.
7. Set up HEPA vacuum near work area to capture brake dust.
8. Have brake cleaner, tools, and new parts organized and accessible.
9. Take photos of each brake assembly before disassembly for reference during reassembly.
10. Release parking brake from inside vehicle.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear disc brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the rear disc brake caliper mounting bolts and hang the caliper securely with wire or a caliper hanger to avoid stressing the brake hose. Do not let caliper hang by the brake line. Remove the caliper mounting bracket bolts and set aside. Remove the brake rotor by pulling straight off the hub. If rotor is stuck, use appropriate rotor removal tool or bolts in the threaded holes provided. The parking brake drum is integrated into the hat section of the rotor.
2. 2

   Access parking brake drum
   With the main rotor removed, you will see the integrated parking brake drum assembly (drum-in-hat design). The drum may have a separate retention screw or clip - remove if present. Attempt to pull the drum straight off the hub. If drum does not release, the parking brake shoes may be holding it. Locate the adjustment access hole (usually on the backing plate or drum face) and use a brake adjustment tool to back off the adjuster wheel, retracting the shoes away from the drum.
3. 3

   Remove parking brake drum
   Once shoes are retracted, remove the parking brake drum. If drum is rusted or seized to the hub, apply penetrating lubricant around the hub contact area and wait several minutes. Use a brass or rubber mallet to tap around the outer edge of the drum evenly. If drum still will not release, use a proper drum puller attached to the threaded holes or flange. Never use excessive force or heat that could damage the hub or bearings. Vacuum all brake dust from the exposed assembly using HEPA-filtered vacuum only.
   ⚠️Use HEPA vacuum only. Never blow out brake dust with compressed air due to asbestos and carcinogen hazards.
4. 4

   Inspect drum and measure for wear
   Clean the drum interior with brake cleaner and inspect for cracks, scoring, heat checking, or out-of-round condition. Use a drum micrometer or brake drum gauge to measure the inside diameter at multiple points. Compare measurements to the maximum diameter specification stamped on the drum (typically around 180-200mm for this vehicle, but verify). If drum exceeds maximum diameter, is cracked, or has deep grooves, it must be replaced. Minor scoring may be resurfaced by a qualified machine shop if within specifications. Measure drum runout with dial indicator if available - should be less than 0.05mm.
5. 5

   Remove brake shoe return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully remove the upper and lower return springs connecting the two brake shoes. These springs are under significant tension - work slowly and ensure the tool is properly engaged before releasing tension. Remove the adjuster spring if present. Note the position and orientation of each spring for reassembly. Inspect springs for heat damage, stretching, or corrosion - replace entire hardware kit if any components are suspect.
6. 6

   Remove brake shoes and hardware
   Remove the brake shoe hold-down springs and pins using the appropriate hold-down spring tool. Compress and rotate the retainer 90 degrees to release. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the actuating lever on the rear (trailing) shoe. Note the position of the adjuster mechanism (star wheel assembly) between the shoes - it may be left-hand or right-hand thread depending on side. Remove both brake shoes as an assembly. Separate the adjuster mechanism and parking brake lever from the old shoes, noting their positions carefully.
7. 7

   Inspect wheel cylinder and backing plate
   Inspect the wheel cylinder for any signs of brake fluid leakage around the dust boots. Pull back dust boots carefully to check for fluid. If any leakage is present, the wheel cylinder must be rebuilt or replaced before proceeding. Check wheel cylinder mounting bolts for tightness. Inspect the backing plate for damage, rust, or deformation. Clean all brake dust from the backing plate using vacuum and brake cleaner. Inspect the six raised contact pads on the backing plate where the shoes slide - these should be smooth and not deeply grooved.
8. 8

   Prepare new brake shoes and transfer components
   Remove new brake shoes from packaging. Transfer the parking brake actuating lever from the old trailing shoe to the new trailing shoe - this typically requires removing a C-clip or horseshoe clip. Ensure the lever moves freely and is properly secured. Clean the adjuster star wheel mechanism thoroughly with brake cleaner and wire brush. If threads are corroded or mechanism does not turn smoothly, replace with new adjuster from hardware kit. Apply a thin coat of high-temperature brake lubricant to the adjuster threads and socket end. Do not over-lubricate.
9. 9

   Lubricate backing plate contact points
   Apply a thin layer of high-temperature ceramic brake lubricant to the six raised contact pads on the backing plate where the brake shoe webs will slide. Apply lubricant to the anchor pin areas at the top where shoes pivot. Also lubricate the parking brake lever pivot points. Use lubricant sparingly - excess can contaminate brake linings. Never apply lubricant to brake shoe friction material or inside drum surface.
10. 10

    Install new brake shoes and adjuster
    Connect the parking brake cable to the actuating lever on the trailing shoe. Position both shoes on the backing plate with the adjuster mechanism between them at the bottom. The shorter lining typically goes on the leading (front) shoe. Install the hold-down pins from behind the backing plate, then install the springs and retainers, compressing and rotating 90 degrees to lock. Ensure adjuster star wheel is positioned so it can be accessed through the adjustment hole. Verify the adjuster socket and screw are properly engaged between the shoes.
11. 11

    Install brake shoe springs
    Install the adjuster spring (small spring near adjuster) first if equipped. Using brake spring pliers, install the lower return spring, then the upper return spring. These springs are under high tension - ensure they are properly seated in the shoe webbing holes. Compare your assembly to the photos taken of the original assembly or the opposite side to verify all springs are correctly positioned. The shoe assembly should be centered on the backing plate with shoes retracted.
    ⚠Brake return springs are under extreme tension. Ensure spring tool is properly engaged and maintain firm grip to prevent spring from releasing suddenly and causing injury.
12. 12

    Perform initial brake shoe adjustment
    Rotate the adjuster star wheel using a brake adjusting tool or screwdriver through the access hole to expand the shoes outward. Adjust until the shoes are expanded enough that the drum will slide over them with moderate resistance. The drum should require firm hand pressure to install but should not bind. Pre-adjusting the shoes at this stage makes final adjustment easier. Verify the parking brake actuating lever can move freely and is not binding.
13. 13

    Install parking brake drum and verify operation
    Clean the hub surface and drum mounting surface with brake cleaner to remove any rust or debris. Ensure the hub bearing area is clean and not damaged. Slide the parking brake drum onto the hub, aligning any locating features. Install drum retention screw or clip if equipped. Rotate the drum by hand to verify smooth rotation. If drum binds or catches, back off the adjuster slightly. Activate the parking brake from inside the vehicle and verify the drum locks and cannot rotate. Release parking brake and verify drum rotates freely again.
14. 14

    Perform final brake shoe adjustment
    With drum installed, perform final adjustment by rotating the adjuster star wheel through the access hole while rotating the drum. Expand shoes until light drag is felt, then back off the adjuster 8-10 clicks (approximately one-half turn) until drum rotates freely with no drag. The shoes should not contact the drum during normal rotation but should be close enough for proper parking brake function. Repeat procedure on opposite side, ensuring both sides are adjusted equally.
15. 15

    Reinstall disc brake rotor, bracket, and caliper
    Reinstall the main brake rotor onto the hub over the parking brake drum assembly. Reinstall the caliper mounting bracket and torque bolts to specification. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and install caliper mounting bolts to specification. If brake caliper pistons were disturbed, they may need to be reset. Pump the brake pedal several times to verify proper caliper function (pedal should firm up). Inspect all brake line connections for damage or leaks.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern.
2. Lower vehicle to the ground and torque wheel lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern using torque wrench.
3. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off with DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid if necessary - do not overfill.
4. With vehicle still in park or gear and parking brake released, pump brake pedal 10-15 times to verify firm pedal - pedal should not sink or feel spongy.
5. Engage parking brake firmly and verify it holds vehicle on a slight incline test (if safe to perform).
6. If brake pedal feels soft or spongy, the hydraulic system may require bleeding - perform proper brake bleeding procedure.
7. Clean any brake fluid or lubricant from wheels and surrounding areas.
8. Dispose of old brake shoes and contaminated materials according to local hazardous waste regulations.

Verification

• CRITICAL: Before driving, pump brake pedal firmly multiple times and verify pedal is firm and does not sink to the floor. If pedal feels soft or spongy, DO NOT DRIVE - system requires bleeding or has air in lines.
• Engage parking brake and verify it holds vehicle firmly - test on slight incline if safe area is available.
• Perform test drive in safe, low-traffic area at low speed (under 10 mph) and verify parking brake functions properly.
• Perform several gentle brake applications from 20-30 mph to seat the new shoes - avoid hard braking for first 50-100 miles.
• After 50-100 miles of break-in, re-check parking brake adjustment and adjust if necessary.
• Listen for any unusual noises from rear brakes - dragging, grinding, or squealing may indicate improper installation or adjustment.
• Verify no brake fluid leaks at wheel cylinders - inspect after test drive and recheck after 100 miles.
• Monitor brake pedal feel over the next several drives - any change in pedal height or firmness requires immediate inspection.
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50 miles to verify proper torque retention.

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