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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear drum brake hardware kit × 2 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated brake parts cleaner
• High-temperature brake lubricant × 1 — Silicone-based brake grease

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands at frame rails rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Release parking brake to allow drum removal
7. Spray brake assembly liberally with brake cleaner and allow to drain into catch pan
8. Take photos of brake assembly from multiple angles for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove any retaining clips if present. Pull drum straight off hub. If drum is stuck due to rust or brake shoe wear, use rubber mallet to tap around outer edge of drum face. If still stuck, back off brake adjuster through access hole in backing plate using flat screwdriver. Do not strike drum with excessive force as it may crack.
2. 2

   Inspect wheel cylinder and brake shoes
   Before removing hardware, inspect wheel cylinder for fluid leaks (wetness around dust boots). Check brake shoe thickness - if shoes are worn below 1/16 inch above rivet heads or bonded lining is less than 1/16 inch, shoes must be replaced (hardware kit alone is insufficient). Verify no contamination from gear oil or brake fluid on shoe friction material. If wheel cylinder leaks or shoes are worn, this job scope must be expanded.
   ⚠Contaminated or excessively worn brake shoes cannot be repaired with hardware alone and must be replaced for safe operation.
3. 3

   Remove upper return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, grasp upper return spring closest to wheel cylinder and unhook from anchor post at top of backing plate. Remove second upper return spring in same manner. Note orientation and position of springs - upper springs are typically larger diameter and under significant tension. Keep springs separated by side for comparison with new hardware.
   ⚠️Return springs are under extreme tension. Ensure spring tool is properly seated before releasing tension to prevent spring from snapping free and causing injury.
4. 4

   Remove hold-down springs and pins
   Locate hold-down spring assemblies that secure each brake shoe to backing plate. Using brake spring tool or needle nose pliers, press down on hold-down spring retainer cup while rotating 90 degrees to align slot with pin, then release. Remove retainer, spring, and pin from each shoe (typically 2 assemblies total). Keep hardware organized.
5. 5

   Remove brake shoes and lower return spring
   Lift both shoes slightly to unhook lower return spring from both shoes. Remove lower return spring. Disconnect parking brake cable from parking brake lever on rear shoe by rotating cable end and unhooking. Remove both brake shoes from backing plate. Note position of automatic adjuster mechanism between shoes.
6. 6

   Remove and inspect adjuster mechanism
   Separate adjuster screw assembly, adjuster lever, and adjuster spring from old shoes. Clean adjuster screw threads with wire brush and brake cleaner. Inspect threads for damage or excessive wear. Test that adjuster screw rotates freely - if seized or damaged, replace adjuster. Verify adjuster spring has no cracks or elongation.
7. 7

   Clean and prepare backing plate
   Spray backing plate thoroughly with brake cleaner, focusing on shoe contact pads (raised areas where shoes rest). Use wire brush to remove any rust or corrosion from contact pads. Wipe clean with lint-free cloth. Apply thin film of high-temperature brake lubricant to the six shoe contact pads on backing plate only - do not contaminate friction surfaces.
   ⚠Use brake lubricant sparingly and only on metal-to-metal contact points. Any lubricant on brake shoe friction material will cause brake failure.
8. 8

   Install adjuster mechanism on new shoes
   If shoes are being reused, skip to next step. If replacing shoes, transfer parking brake lever from old rear shoe to new rear shoe. Lightly lubricate adjuster screw threads. Position adjuster screw assembly between shoes with star wheel toward rear of vehicle. Install adjuster spring and adjuster lever in same orientation as removed (reference photos).
9. 9

   Install new hold-down hardware
   Position brake shoes on backing plate, ensuring shoes seat properly on anchor post at top and in wheel cylinder slots. Connect parking brake cable to lever on rear shoe. From behind backing plate, insert new hold-down pins through backing plate holes. Install new hold-down springs and retainer cups on each pin, pressing and rotating 90 degrees to lock in place. Verify shoes are centered on backing plate.
10. 10

    Install new return springs
    Install lower return spring between bottom holes of both shoes using spring pliers. Install upper return springs from each shoe to anchor post at top, ensuring springs seat fully in anchor notches. Verify correct spring positions by comparing to opposite side assembly (if not yet disassembled) or reference photos. Springs should pull shoes firmly against anchor post and wheel cylinder.
11. 11

    Verify adjuster operation
    Pull adjuster lever away from star wheel and verify it returns to contact star wheel when released. Manually rotate star wheel with screwdriver to verify adjuster screw extends and retracts freely. Adjust star wheel until brake shoes are approximately 0.050 inch smaller diameter than inside of drum (about halfway through adjustment range).
12. 12

    Install brake drum
    Clean inside of brake drum with brake cleaner and wipe dry. Inspect drum for cracks, scoring, or excessive wear - replace if damaged. Slide drum over brake shoes and hub. Drum should slide on with slight resistance - if drum will not fit, back off adjuster star wheel. If drum slides on with no resistance, advance adjuster. Install any drum retaining clips if equipped.
13. 13

    Repeat procedure on opposite side
    Perform complete procedure (steps 1-12) on opposite rear brake assembly. Maintaining even brake adjustment side-to-side is critical for vehicle stability during braking.
    ⚠Uneven brake adjustment between left and right sides will cause vehicle pull during braking and potential loss of control.
14. 14

    Install wheels and perform final torque
    Install rear wheels onto hubs. Thread lug nuts by hand until snug. Lower vehicle until tires just contact ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform final lug nut torque verification in star pattern with vehicle on ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify parking brake is released before testing vehicle movement
2. Pump brake pedal slowly 15-20 times until firm pedal is achieved - this seats brake shoes against drums
3. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off with Mopar DOT 4 if needed
4. Verify equal adjustment by checking that both rear drums have same temperature after test drive

Verification

• Before moving vehicle: Pump brake pedal until firm - pedal should not travel more than halfway to floor
• Test parking brake: Apply parking brake and verify vehicle will not roll on slight incline
• Test drive in safe area at low speed (under 10 mph): Verify brakes apply smoothly without pulling to either side
• Perform moderate brake applications from 20-30 mph several times to burnish shoes and complete automatic adjustment
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification and verify brake pedal remains firm
• Listen for any unusual noises during braking - grinding, squealing, or clicking may indicate improper installation
• If brake pedal is soft, pulls to one side, or parking brake is ineffective, DO NOT DRIVE - re-inspect installation immediately

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