Rear Brake Shoe Replacement

This procedure covers the replacement of rear drum brake shoes on a 2007 Ram 3500 with 4WD, including drum removal, hardware replacement, and adjustment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake shoe set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM or equivalent specification
• Brake hardware kit (springs, clips, adjuster) × 1 — Include return springs, hold-down springs, and clips
• Brake drum (if worn beyond specification) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel cylinder (if leaking) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 brake fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on firm, level surface and engage parking brake (if front parking brake is functional, otherwise chock front wheels securely)
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels to prevent vehicle movement
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear axle differential pumpkin
5. Support vehicle with jack stands under frame rails rated for at least 10,000 lbs capacity
6. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
7. Spray backing plate bolts and wheel cylinder bolts with penetrating oil if corrosion is present
8. Verify parking brake is released for drum removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove any drum retaining clips or screws if present. Attempt to pull drum straight off the hub. If drum is seized, back off parking brake adjuster through access hole in backing plate using brake spoon tool. If drum is still stuck, apply penetrating oil around hub center and use rubber mallet to tap around drum perimeter. Do not strike drum with excessive force. If drum will not release, it may be worn beyond specification and lip may have formed - careful prying may be necessary.
2. 2

   Inspect brake components and measure drum
   Inspect drum interior for scoring, cracks, heat checking, or excessive wear. Measure drum internal diameter with brake drum micrometer if available. Maximum drum diameter is typically stamped on drum exterior. Inspect wheel cylinder for leaks by pulling back dust boots - replace if any brake fluid is present. Check backing plate for damage. Take detailed photos of spring and adjuster configuration before disassembly.
   ⚠If drum diameter exceeds maximum specification or shows cracks, it must be replaced. Drums cannot be safely reused beyond wear limits.
3. 3

   Remove brake shoe return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully remove the upper and lower return springs connecting the brake shoes. These springs are under high tension. Start with the primary (front) shoe return spring, then remove secondary (rear) spring. Keep springs organized and note their positions - different tension springs are used in specific locations.
   ⚠️Return springs are under extreme tension and can cause injury if they slip during removal. Keep hands and face clear of spring path.
4. 4

   Disconnect parking brake cable
   Locate parking brake cable connection to parking brake lever on rear brake shoe. Compress cable spring or remove cable from lever depending on design. Support cable with wire or bungee cord to prevent it from retracting into backing plate. Note cable routing and lever position for reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove hold-down springs and pins
   Using hold-down spring tool, compress and rotate each hold-down spring retainer 90 degrees to align with slot in pin. Remove spring, retainer, and pin from both shoes. Keep hardware organized by location. Note that each shoe has one hold-down assembly.
6. 6

   Remove brake shoes and adjuster assembly
   Carefully spread shoes apart at top and lift assembly away from backing plate. The adjuster mechanism (star wheel assembly) connects the lower portion of the shoes. Remove adjuster screw assembly and note orientation - it is handed (left/right specific). Separate parking brake lever from secondary shoe by removing retaining clip or C-clip. Keep lever for reinstallation unless replacing.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect backing plate
   Using brake cleaner and HEPA vacuum, thoroughly clean backing plate surface. Do not use compressed air. Wire brush the six raised shoe contact pads on backing plate. Inspect for cracks, damage, or excessive rust. Check that wheel cylinder is secure and not leaking. If wheel cylinder replacement is needed, remove the two mounting bolts, disconnect brake line, cap line immediately, and install new cylinder.
   ⚠If wheel cylinder is replaced, brake system will require bleeding and fluid level adjustment before vehicle operation.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Cylinder Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Prepare new brake shoes and hardware
   Unpack new brake shoes and hardware kit. Transfer parking brake lever from old secondary shoe to new secondary shoe using new retaining clip from kit. Apply small amount of high-temperature brake lubricant to backing plate shoe contact pads (six raised points only - never on shoe friction surfaces). Clean adjuster star wheel threads with wire brush and apply light coating of high-temp brake grease to threads.
9. 9

   Install adjuster and position shoes
   Install adjuster screw assembly between new shoes in correct orientation - the star wheel should be accessible from backing plate access hole when installed. Position primary (front/shorter lining) and secondary (rear/longer lining) shoes with adjuster connected. Install hold-down pins through backing plate from rear, then install shoes over pins. Ensure shoes are properly seated in wheel cylinder slots at top.
10. 10

    Install hold-down springs and hardware
    Install hold-down spring assemblies on both shoes. Place spring over pin, install retainer cup, compress with hold-down tool and rotate 90 degrees to lock. Verify both assemblies are secure and shoes are centered on backing plate.
11. 11

    Connect parking brake cable and install return springs
    Connect parking brake cable to lever on secondary shoe. Verify cable moves freely and returns when released. Install lower return spring between shoes first, then install upper return spring using brake spring pliers. Ensure all springs are fully seated in shoe holes. Double-check spring positions against photos taken during disassembly.
12. 12

    Pre-adjust brake shoes
    Using brake spoon through access hole in backing plate, rotate adjuster star wheel to expand shoes until drum will barely slide over shoes with slight drag. Back off star wheel 10-12 clicks to provide proper clearance. Shoes should be expanded enough that drum requires moderate force to install but is not binding.
13. 13

    Install brake drum
    Clean drum interior with brake cleaner if reusing, or install new drum. Ensure drum slides over shoes and seats fully against hub face. If drum will not install, back off adjuster star wheel additional clicks. Install drum retaining clips or screws if equipped. Verify drum rotates freely with only slight shoe contact drag.
14. 14

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Perform all steps 1-13 on the opposite rear wheel. Both rear brakes must be replaced together. Ensure both sides are adjusted to similar drag resistance for balanced braking performance.
15. 15

    Install wheels and perform final adjustment
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels touch ground but jack stands still support weight. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely. Pump brake pedal 10-15 times to verify firm pedal - pedal should not go to floor. Test parking brake operation. Adjust parking brake cable if necessary. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off with the DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid specified on the reservoir cap if needed.
    ⚠️Do not drive vehicle if brake pedal feels soft or goes to floor. Bleed brake system if wheel cylinders were replaced or if pedal is not firm.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all return springs and hold-down springs are properly installed and seated
2. Confirm parking brake cable is connected and operates smoothly
3. Ensure brake drums are fully seated and rotate without binding
4. Wheels must be torqued in star pattern to proper specification - critical for safety
5. After initial test drive, recheck wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles

Verification

• Pump brake pedal 10-15 times - pedal should become firm and not sink to floor
• Check brake fluid level in master cylinder - should be at MAX line with new shoes
• Engage parking brake and verify vehicle will not roll on slight incline
• Perform low-speed test drive in safe area - brake pedal should be firm with even braking
• Test brakes at 15-20 mph with moderate application - vehicle should stop straight without pulling
• After 50-100 miles of driving, perform several moderate stops from 30-40 mph to bed in new shoes
• Recheck wheel lug nut torque after first 50 miles and again at 100 miles
• Listen for abnormal noises during braking - slight squeaking is normal during break-in period
• If brake pedal is soft or vehicle pulls during braking, do not drive - seek professional inspection immediately

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