Drum Brake Hardware Kit

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear drum brake hardware kit (includes springs, adjusters, hold-downs) × 2 — Use OEM or quality aftermarket kit for rear axle
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated brake parts cleaner
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — High-temperature rated

Fluids

• DOT 3 brake fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and place transmission in Park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual)
2. Chock the front wheels securely on both sides
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on the ground
4. Lift rear of vehicle using frame-mounted jack points and secure on jack stands rated for at least 6000 lbs
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Verify parking brake is fully released
7. Spray brake assemblies with brake cleaner and allow to drain into a catch pan - do not create dust clouds
8. Take photos of original hardware configuration on both sides for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove any retaining clips or screws if present. Pull drum straight off the hub. If drum is stuck due to rust or shoe adjustment, back off adjuster through the access hole in the backing plate using a brake spoon. If still stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap evenly around the outer edge while pulling outward. Do not strike the friction surface.
2. 2

   Document original configuration
   With drum removed, carefully compare the assembly to your reference photos and the opposite side. Note the routing of all springs, position of adjuster mechanism, and orientation of hold-down hardware. This is critical for correct reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove shoe return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, remove the upper and lower return springs connecting the two brake shoes. These are the large coil springs. Grip the spring end with the tool and twist/pull to disengage from the anchor post or shoe web. Work slowly and keep face clear of spring path. Note which holes the springs were installed in.
   ⚠Return springs are under extreme tension. Ensure tool has secure grip before applying force.
4. 4

   Remove shoe hold-down springs and pins
   Locate the hold-down springs and pins that secure each shoe to the backing plate. Using a hold-down tool or needle-nose pliers, press in on the spring cap while rotating 90 degrees to align the slot with the pin head. Release pressure and remove the cap, spring, and pin. Repeat for all hold-downs (typically 2 per side).
5. 5

   Disconnect parking brake cable and remove shoes
   Note how the parking brake cable connects to the lever on the rear shoe. Carefully unhook the cable spring or remove the retaining clip. Support the brake shoes and remove the adjuster link/screw assembly connecting the two shoes. Separate shoes from backing plate, keeping them together as an assembly initially to preserve component relationships.
6. 6

   Remove adjuster mechanism and remaining hardware
   Disassemble the adjuster screw mechanism, noting the position of the star wheel, threaded screw, and socket. Remove the adjuster lever, lever spring, and any anti-rattle clips or springs. Lay out all old hardware in order for comparison with the new kit.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect backing plate
   Thoroughly clean the backing plate with brake cleaner, removing all old grease, rust, and debris. Inspect backing plate for cracks, severe rust, or damage. Check wheel cylinder for leaks (fluid around dust boots). Clean the raised shoe contact pads (platform ledges) on the backing plate with a wire brush.
8. 8

   Prepare new hardware and lubricate contact points
   Unpack the new hardware kit and identify all components by comparing to old parts. Apply a thin film of high-temperature brake lubricant to the shoe contact pads (platform ledges) on the backing plate, the adjuster screw threads, and the adjuster socket. Do not get lubricant on friction surfaces or wheel cylinder. Ensure adjuster screw threads are clean and operate smoothly.
9. 9

   Assemble adjuster mechanism
   Assemble the new adjuster screw, star wheel, and socket according to the reference configuration. The adjuster screw assemblies are side-specific (one side has left-hand threads, the other right-hand) so the star wheel expands the shoes correctly - verify you are installing the correct adjuster on each side per the reference configuration. Turn the star wheel to collapse the adjuster to its shortest length for installation. Install the adjuster spring if separate.
10. 10

    Install shoes with hold-down hardware
    Position the brake shoes on the backing plate, connecting them with the new adjuster assembly. Reconnect the parking brake cable to the lever on the rear shoe. Install the new hold-down pins through the backing plate from behind, then place shoes over pins. Install the new hold-down springs and caps, pressing and rotating to lock. Ensure shoes are seated properly on the backing plate contact pads.
11. 11

    Install adjuster lever and spring
    Install the new adjuster lever in the correct position on the shoe web (typically the leading shoe). Attach the new adjuster lever spring, ensuring it provides proper tension to keep the lever engaged with the star wheel. Verify lever moves freely and contacts the star wheel teeth correctly.
12. 12

    Install return springs
    Using brake spring pliers, install the new return springs in the same configuration as original. Typically install lower return spring first, then upper return spring. Hook one end to the anchor post or shoe web, stretch spring with tool, and engage the opposite end. Ensure springs are seated in the correct holes and properly positioned. Verify all hardware is installed and assembly matches the reference side.
    ⚠New springs have full tension. Maintain control during installation to prevent spring from slipping and causing injury.
13. 13

    Verify assembly and install drum
    Double-check that all components are installed correctly by comparing to the opposite side and reference photos. Verify shoes move freely and return to rest position. Ensure no hardware is binding or mispositioned. Clean drum friction surface with brake cleaner if needed. Install drum over shoes - it should slide on with moderate resistance. If drum will not fit, verify adjuster is fully collapsed.
14. 14

    Adjust brake shoes
    Locate the adjuster access hole in the backing plate (may need to rotate drum). Using a brake spoon through the access hole, rotate the star wheel upward until shoes drag heavily on drum. Then back off the adjuster 6-8 clicks until drum rotates freely with only slight drag. Verify parking brake cable has proper slack.
15. 15

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform the brake hardware replacement steps on the opposite rear wheel, using the first completed side as reference and remembering the adjuster assembly is the mirror image (opposite thread handedness). Ensure both sides are adjusted equally. Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle from jack stands until tires just contact ground but vehicle weight is still supported
2. Torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern (typically 135-145 ft-lbs for this vehicle - verify with owner's manual)
3. Lower vehicle completely and remove jack
4. Pump brake pedal slowly and firmly 10-15 times until pedal feels firm and consistent - pedal should not go to floor
5. Check brake fluid reservoir level and top off with DOT 3 fluid if needed
6. Test parking brake function - should hold vehicle on an incline

Verification

• Start engine and pump brakes several times - pedal should be firm and hold steady pressure
• Perform a slow-speed brake test in a safe area - brakes should apply smoothly without pulling to one side
• Listen for any unusual noises during brake application - squealing or grinding indicates a problem
• Check for proper brake adjustment - there should be slight drag when spinning the rear wheels by hand with vehicle raised
• Verify parking brake holds vehicle securely on an incline
• After 50-100 miles of normal driving, re-verify brake adjustment and check for any fluid leaks around wheel cylinders
• Perform a controlled brake test from 30-40 mph in a safe area - vehicle should stop straight without pulling or pulsation
• If any abnormal brake behavior is observed, inspect the installation immediately before continuing to drive

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