Parking Brake Shoes

Replace the parking brake shoes on the rear disc brake system, which uses a drum-in-hat style parking brake mechanism integrated into the rear rotor assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Parking brake shoe set (rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Parking brake hardware kit (springs, clips, pins) × 1 — Typically included with shoe set or separate

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and place wheel chocks firmly against both front wheels
2. Ensure parking brake is fully released inside the cab
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground (1/2 turn each)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at rear axle housing and support with heavy-duty jack stands under frame rails
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Spray all brake components with brake cleaner and allow to dry before beginning work

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper
   Remove the caliper mounting/slide bolts (verify exact socket size for this vehicle's caliper) and carefully swing the caliper upward without disconnecting the brake hose. Support the caliper with a bungee cord or wire to prevent strain on the brake hose. Do not let caliper hang by the hose.
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the rotor retaining clip if present. Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If the rotor is stuck, use penetrating oil on the hub mating surface and tap gently with a rubber mallet. The parking brake drum is integrated into the back of the rotor, so the entire rotor assembly must be removed. Note the rotor orientation for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Inspect parking brake drum surface
   With the rotor removed, examine the drum surface inside the rotor hat section. Check for excessive scoring, glazing, or out-of-round condition. Measure drum diameter if possible - if beyond service limit or severely damaged, rotor replacement is required. Clean the drum surface with brake cleaner.
4. 4

   Remove hold-down springs and pins
   Using the hold-down spring tool, compress each shoe hold-down spring while rotating the retaining washer 90 degrees to align with the slot in the pin. Remove the washer, spring, and pin from each shoe. There are typically two hold-down assemblies, one per shoe. Keep these organized for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully remove the upper and lower return springs connecting the two shoes. Note the position and orientation of each spring as they may be different sizes. The upper spring is typically removed first. Keep tension controlled to prevent spring from snapping loose.
6. 6

   Disconnect parking brake cable
   Locate the parking brake cable connection to the lever arm on the rear shoe. Unhook the cable end from the lever. Note how the cable routes through the backing plate. If there is excessive resistance, the cable may need to be loosened at the equalizer under the vehicle.
7. 7

   Remove parking brake shoes
   With springs and cable disconnected, remove both parking brake shoes from the backing plate. Note the position of the adjuster mechanism (star wheel assembly) between the shoes. The adjuster may come apart as you remove the shoes - note its orientation and which end goes to which shoe.
8. 8

   Clean and inspect backing plate
   Wire brush the backing plate to remove rust and debris. Clean the shoe contact pads on the backing plate. Inspect the wheel cylinder (if equipped) for leaks. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to the shoe contact points (ledges) on the backing plate where the shoe webs will rest.
9. 9

   Transfer parking brake lever to new shoe
   Remove the parking brake lever from the old rear shoe by removing the horseshoe clip or C-clip that retains it to the shoe web. Install the lever onto the new rear shoe in the same position and secure with the clip. Ensure the lever moves freely.
10. 10

    Install new parking brake shoes
    Position the new shoes on the backing plate with the adjuster mechanism between them. The shoe with the parking brake lever typically goes to the rear. Ensure the adjuster star wheel is fully retracted (turned to shortest length) to allow rotor installation. Connect the parking brake cable to the lever arm.
11. 11

    Install return springs
    Using brake spring pliers, install the lower return spring first, then the upper return spring, connecting both shoes together. Ensure springs are properly seated in the holes on each shoe web. Verify both shoes are centered on the backing plate.
12. 12

    Install hold-down springs and pins
    Insert each hold-down pin through the backing plate from behind. Place the spring and retaining washer over each pin, then compress the spring with the hold-down tool while rotating the washer 90 degrees to lock it in place. Ensure both shoes are secure and properly positioned.
13. 13

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Clean the hub mating surface with a wire brush and brake cleaner. Slide the rotor/drum assembly back onto the hub, ensuring it seats fully against the hub face. Install the rotor retaining clip if equipped. Verify the rotor spins freely and the parking brake shoes are not dragging (shoes should be fully retracted).
14. 14

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove the caliper from its support wire and position it back over the rotor. Install both caliper slide bolts and tighten to manufacturer specifications. Verify brake hose is not twisted or kinked.
15. 15

    Adjust parking brake shoes
    Through the adjustment access hole in the backing plate (or from the front of the rotor if accessible), rotate the adjuster star wheel using a brake adjusting tool or flat screwdriver until the shoes lightly drag on the drum, then back off the adjuster until the rotor spins freely with just slight drag (verify exact click count against the factory service manual). Repeat this procedure for the opposite side to ensure even adjustment.

Reassembly

1. Repeat steps 1-15 for the opposite rear wheel to ensure both sides have fresh parking brake shoes
2. Reinstall both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
3. Lower vehicle to the ground and torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification (typically 135 ft-lbs for 3500 series, verify for your specific wheel type) in a star pattern
4. If parking brake cable was loosened at the equalizer, re-adjust cable tension so parking brake engages within 3-6 clicks

Verification

• With engine running, pump the service brake pedal several times to ensure proper operation before testing parking brake
• Engage parking brake and verify it holds the vehicle on level ground - it should lock within 3-6 clicks of the handle/pedal
• Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speed and verify parking brake releases completely with no dragging or noise from rear brakes
• Park on an incline (if safely available) and verify parking brake holds vehicle without rolling
• Visually inspect both rear wheels for any signs of smoke, excessive heat, or unusual odors after a short test drive indicating dragging shoes
• Re-check parking brake adjustment after 50-100 miles of driving as new shoes may seat and require minor readjustment

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