Parking Brake Shoes

Replace the rear drum-style parking brake shoes integrated into the rear disc brake rotors on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear parking brake shoe set (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Parking brake shoe hold-down spring kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Parking brake shoe return springs × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake shoe adjuster kit (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Copper or nickel-based

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, stable surface. Chock front wheels securely.
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground.
3. Release parking brake lever inside vehicle completely.
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack and support with jack stands rated for vehicle weight under frame rails.
5. Remove rear wheels completely.
6. Verify parking brake is fully released by checking cable tension at rear calipers.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear brake caliper
   Remove the two caliper mounting bolts on the rear of the caliper using a 21mm socket. Carefully lift caliper off rotor and support it with wire or bungee cord from the frame. Do not let caliper hang by brake hose. Do not disconnect brake line.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bolts119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the rotor set screw if present (small Phillips or T30 Torx). Pull rotor off hub. If rotor is stuck, thread M8 bolts into the two threaded holes in rotor face to push it off hub, or tap gently with rubber mallet around outer edge. The parking brake drum is on the inner (back) side of this rotor.
   ℹ️If rotor will not come off, parking brake shoes may be adjusted too tight or rusted to drum. You may need to access adjuster through backing plate access hole.
3. 3

   Inspect parking brake assembly
   With rotor removed, inspect the parking brake shoes, springs, adjuster mechanism, and backing plate. Take photos for reassembly reference showing spring positions and adjuster orientation. Clean backing plate with brake cleaner and wire brush. Check adjuster wheel for free operation - if corroded or seized, replace adjuster assembly.
4. 4

   Remove parking brake shoe hold-down springs
   Remove the hold-down spring assemblies securing each shoe to the backing plate. Use brake spring pliers or carefully compress spring cup while turning pin 90 degrees to release. Remove both hold-down springs, cups, and pins. Keep hardware organized for reinstallation or replacement.
   Torque spec

   Hold-Down Springs8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove upper return spring
   Using brake spring pliers or needle-nose pliers, remove the upper return spring connecting the tops of both brake shoes. Note orientation and attachment points for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Disconnect parking brake cable and remove shoes
   Note position of parking brake cable connection to actuating lever on rear shoe. Disconnect cable from lever by lifting cable end from lever slot while compressing spring. Remove lower return spring connecting shoe bottoms. Disconnect shoes from adjuster mechanism (center bottom). Remove both parking brake shoes as an assembly.
   ⚠Control springs during removal. Springs are under tension and can snap free causing injury.
7. 7

   Transfer hardware to new shoes
   Transfer the parking brake actuating lever and any other hardware from old shoes to new shoes if not included in kit. Install parking brake lever onto new rear shoe in same position as original, ensuring clip or retainer is properly secured. Clean adjuster mechanism threads and apply small amount of high-temperature brake grease to threads and contact points.
8. 8

   Install new parking brake shoes
   Position new shoes onto backing plate with adjuster mechanism connecting shoe bottoms. Install lower return spring between shoes. Connect parking brake cable to actuating lever on rear shoe. Install upper return spring between shoe tops. Verify shoes are properly seated in anchor slots at top and adjuster slots at bottom.
   ⚠Ensure parking brake cable is properly seated in actuating lever slot and spring is correctly positioned.
9. 9

   Install hold-down springs
   Install hold-down spring assemblies on both shoes. Insert pin through backing plate and shoe web, place spring over pin, place cup over spring, then compress and rotate 90 degrees to lock. Verify both shoes are securely held against backing plate.
   Torque spec

   Hold-Down Springs8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Adjust parking brake shoes
    Rotate adjuster star wheel to expand shoes until they nearly contact the drum surface inside the rotor (or use brake shoe gauge set to drum diameter minus 0.050 inches). Shoes should be close to drum but rotor should still slip over shoes with slight drag. Pre-adjustment prevents excessive pedal/lever travel after installation.
11. 11

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Clean rotor mounting surface on hub and inner parking brake drum surface with brake cleaner. Slide rotor onto hub over parking brake shoes. Rotor should fit with slight drag from shoes. If rotor will not install, back off adjuster slightly. Install rotor set screw if equipped (do not overtighten - snug only).
    ⚠Ensure rotor slides fully onto hub and seats flush. Verify parking brake drum surface inside rotor is clean and free of grease.
12. 12

    Reinstall brake caliper
    If necessary, compress caliper piston using C-clamp against old brake pad or caliper compressor tool. Position caliper over rotor and align mounting holes. Install caliper mounting bolts and torque to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Bolts119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-12 on the opposite rear wheel. Parking brake shoes must be replaced in axle sets (both sides) to ensure even parking brake force and prevent vehicle pull.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and perform initial adjustment
    Reinstall rear wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground. Press and release parking brake pedal/lever 10-15 times to allow automatic adjusters to set shoe-to-drum clearance. After several applications, parking brake should engage within normal lever/pedal travel.

Reassembly

1. Torque wheel lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in star pattern with vehicle on ground.
2. Parking brake shoes will seat and adjust over first 200-300 miles of normal driving.
3. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from under vehicle before operation.

Verification

• With engine off, apply and release parking brake several times. Lever/pedal should have firm feel with engagement in normal range (not at end of travel).
• With vehicle on level ground and transmission in neutral (engine off), verify parking brake holds vehicle securely when engaged.
• Test drive vehicle at low speed (under 5 mph in safe area) and verify parking brake engages smoothly and holds vehicle when applied while rolling.
• After 50 miles, re-verify parking brake engagement and adjust if needed through backing plate adjuster access hole.
• Verify no unusual noises from rear brakes during normal driving, which would indicate parking brake dragging or improper installation.

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