Drum Brake Shoes - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of rear drum brake shoes on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including adjustment and brake bleeding if required.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear drum brake shoe set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent meeting FMVSS 121
• Brake hardware kit (springs, clips, adjusters) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel cylinder (if leaking or damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Brake drum (if worn beyond specification) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at frame or axle lift points and support with jack stands rated for heavy-duty trucks
4. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
5. Release parking brake lever/pedal inside vehicle completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on drum retaining screws or clips if present and allow to soak
7. Have brake parts cleaner, catch pan, and all tools ready before beginning disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove any drum retaining screws or clips if present. Pull drum straight off hub. If drum is stuck due to rust or shoe wear ridge, you may need to: 1) Back off parking brake adjuster through access hole in backing plate, 2) Use brake adjustment tool through backing plate access hole to retract brake shoes away from drum, 3) Apply penetrating oil around drum hub interface and tap with rubber mallet around perimeter, 4) Use drum puller or slide hammer if necessary. Do not strike drum with metal hammer as this can crack the casting.
2. 2

   Inspect and measure drum and wheel cylinder
   Clean inside of drum with brake cleaner spray and wipe with rag (never use compressed air). Inspect drum surface for scoring, cracking, or heat spots. Measure drum inside diameter with micrometer or drum gauge and compare to maximum diameter specification (typically stamped on drum). If drum exceeds maximum diameter or has deep scoring, it must be replaced. Inspect wheel cylinder for fluid leaks by pulling back rubber boots - any wetness indicates leakage and wheel cylinder must be replaced before continuing.
   ⚠If wheel cylinder is leaking, do not attempt to reuse it. Replace both wheel cylinders as a pair to ensure even braking performance.
3. 3

   Document shoe configuration and remove return springs
   Before disassembly, take photos of brake shoe arrangement, spring positions, and parking brake cable routing for reference during reassembly. Using brake spring removal tool, carefully remove upper and lower return springs from anchor posts and brake shoes. Keep tension on tool and work slowly to prevent springs from slipping. Note the position of primary (front) and secondary (rear) shoes as they may be different sizes. Remove any self-adjuster spring connecting the shoes.
4. 4

   Remove brake shoe hold-down hardware
   Using brake shoe hold-down spring tool, compress each hold-down spring while rotating the retainer pin 90 degrees to release. Remove hold-down springs, retainers, and pins from both shoes. Keep hardware organized and inspect for corrosion or damage. The hold-down pins should pass through the backing plate from the rear.
5. 5

   Disconnect and remove brake shoes
   Lift and spread shoes to clear wheel cylinder pistons and anchor post. Disconnect parking brake cable from lever on secondary (rear) shoe by removing retaining clip or spreading cable end. Note the parking brake lever position and how strut/adjuster mechanism connects between shoes. Remove automatic adjuster mechanism (star wheel assembly, adjuster lever, and actuating link) and keep components together. Remove both brake shoes from backing plate. Do not allow wheel cylinder pistons to extend - if needed, tape or clamp pistons in place.
6. 6

   Clean and inspect backing plate and components
   Thoroughly clean backing plate with brake cleaner spray, paying special attention to shoe contact ledges and anchor areas. Inspect backing plate for cracks, damaged bolt threads, or excessive rust. Check wheel cylinder mounting bolts for tightness. Clean and inspect automatic adjuster star wheel assembly - it should rotate freely without binding. Clean threads with wire brush and apply small amount of high-temperature brake grease to star wheel threads. Inspect all return springs, hold-down springs, and clips from hardware kit - replace if corroded or damaged.
7. 7

   Install parking brake lever on new secondary shoe
   Transfer parking brake lever from old secondary (rear) shoe to new shoe, or use new lever if included in parts kit. The lever typically attaches with a horseshoe clip, wave washer, and pivot pin. Ensure lever moves freely and clip is fully seated. Position lever on correct shoe - secondary shoe typically has more lining material and goes toward rear of vehicle.
8. 8

   Apply brake lubricant to contact points
   Apply thin coat of high-temperature brake grease (silicone-based or synthetic) to the six raised contact pads on backing plate where shoes will rest. Also lubricate anchor post contact areas, parking brake lever pivot, and adjuster screw threads and socket. Do NOT get any lubricant on brake lining material or drum friction surface.
   ⚠Use only high-temperature brake-specific lubricant. Never use standard grease, oil, or anti-seize compound which can contaminate linings and cause brake failure.
9. 9

   Install new brake shoes and adjuster mechanism
   Connect parking brake cable to lever on secondary shoe. Position both shoes on backing plate, engaging wheel cylinder pistons in shoe slots and positioning shoes on anchor post. Install automatic adjuster mechanism between shoes - star wheel adjuster typically goes at bottom with actuating lever and link at top. Ensure adjuster is oriented correctly with star wheel threads positioned for proper adjustment direction (tightening rotation). Verify shoes are properly seated on backing plate contact ledges.
10. 10

    Install hold-down hardware and return springs
    Install hold-down pins through backing plate from rear. Position hold-down springs and retainers on pins and use hold-down tool to compress springs while rotating retainer 90 degrees to lock. Install lower return spring between shoes at bottom. Install upper return spring between shoes at anchor post. Install adjuster actuating spring connecting adjuster lever to primary shoe. Verify all springs are properly seated and shoes move slightly when pulled. Reference photos taken during disassembly to confirm correct configuration.
11. 11

    Pre-adjust brake shoes
    Using brake adjustment tool or screwdriver, rotate star wheel adjuster to expand shoes until they are near drum inside diameter (use drum as gauge by test-fitting over shoes - should just slip over with slight drag). Back off star wheel 10-12 clicks to provide clearance. This pre-adjustment prevents having to pump brake pedal excessively after installation. Ensure adjuster mechanism actuating lever can move freely and engages star wheel teeth.
12. 12

    Install brake drum
    Clean any rust or debris from drum mounting surface on hub. Verify shoes retract fully and parking brake is released. Carefully slide drum over shoes and onto hub. Drum should slide on with only slight resistance - if excessive force is required, shoes are adjusted too far out. Install drum retaining screws or clips if equipped (these are typically not torque-critical and can be snugged by hand plus 1/4 turn). Rotate drum to verify it turns freely without dragging.
13. 13

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Complete identical procedure for opposite rear brake assembly. It is critical that both sides have same shoe configuration and adjustment to prevent brake pull. Always replace brake shoes in axle sets (both sides) even if only one side appears worn, to maintain balanced braking performance.
14. 14

    Install wheels and perform initial adjustment
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact ground (keep jack stands in place). Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern, then lower vehicle completely and remove jack stands. With vehicle on ground, pump brake pedal firmly 15-20 times to seat shoes and activate automatic adjusters. Pedal should become firm. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off with DOT 4 fluid if needed.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Test parking brake and perform final brake adjustment
    Apply and release parking brake several times to verify operation. Adjust parking brake cable if needed to achieve proper engagement within 4-6 clicks. Perform final road test in safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) to verify brakes function properly and stop vehicle straight without pulling. Make several moderate stops to complete bedding-in process. If pedal remains soft or goes to floor, brake system may require bleeding - consult service manual for proper bleeding procedure.

Reassembly

1. Automatic adjusters should self-adjust during normal driving with reverse applications of the brakes
2. Avoid hard braking for first 200 miles to allow proper break-in of new friction material
3. If new wheel cylinders were installed, brake system bleeding will be required - use proper bleeding sequence per service manual
4. Retorque wheel lug nuts after first 50 miles of driving

Verification

• Brake pedal should be firm and consistent, not spongy or low
• Vehicle should stop straight without pulling to either side
• No brake fluid leaks visible at wheel cylinders or brake lines
• Parking brake holds vehicle on moderate incline
• Rear wheels should rotate freely when brake pedal is released, with only slight drag from automatic adjusters
• No unusual noises (grinding, squealing, or clicking) during brake application
• Brake warning light on instrument cluster is not illuminated
• After test drive, feel drums for excessive heat - both sides should be equally warm, indicating even brake application

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