brakes

Brake Drum - Rear

for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Easy

Time

30 min

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers removal and installation of the rear brake drums on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including inspection of drum brake components.

Warnings

⚠️BRAKE SYSTEM CRITICAL: Errors in this procedure can result in brake failure, causing serious injury or death. If you are uncertain about any step, seek professional service immediately.

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use properly rated jack stands on solid, level ground.

⚠Brake dust may contain asbestos in older drums. Use brake cleaner and avoid breathing dust. Work in well-ventilated area.

⚠Do not press the brake pedal while drums are removed or wheel cylinders may pop out.

ℹ️This procedure assumes brake shoes, hardware, and wheel cylinders are being reused. Replacing these components requires additional steps not covered here.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack stands (2)Essential

Torque wrench (0-200 Nm range)Essential

Wheel chocksEssential

19mm or 21mm socket (for lug nuts)Essential

Rubber mallet or dead-blow hammer

Penetrating oil

Wire brush

Brake cleaner

Shop rags

Parts

Rear brake drum(s) × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent

Preparation

Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking points
Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
Remove rear wheels completely and set aside

Procedure

1
Release parking brake
Release the parking brake completely. The parking brake actuates the rear drum brakes, and drums cannot be removed while parking brake is engaged. Verify brake handle or pedal is fully released.
2
Remove drum retaining screws if present
Some Camry models have Phillips head retaining screws securing the drum to the hub. If present, remove these screws completely. These are not always reinstalled and are not critical for drum retention.
3
Remove brake drum
Pull the brake drum straight off the hub assembly. If drum is stuck due to rust or a wear ridge, tap gently around the outer edge with a rubber mallet. If drum still won't release, apply penetrating oil around the hub center and wait 10-15 minutes. Do not hit the drum face directly. If drum is severely stuck due to shoe wear creating a lip, the shoes may need to be retracted through the backing plate adjustment hole.
4
Inspect drum and brake components
Inspect the removed drum for cracks, scoring, excessive wear, or heat discoloration. Measure drum inside diameter with a brake drum micrometer if available; maximum diameter is typically stamped on drum. Inspect brake shoes, return springs, and wheel cylinder for damage, leaks, or excessive wear. Do NOT press brake pedal with drum removed.
5
Clean drum and hub surfaces
Use brake cleaner to remove dust and debris from inside the drum and from the hub surface. Wire brush any rust from the hub mounting surface to ensure the new or resurfaced drum seats flush. Clean the brake shoe contact surface inside the drum thoroughly.
6
Install brake drum
Align the drum onto the hub, ensuring it seats flush against the hub face. If drum retaining screws were present, reinstall them finger-tight (they do not require torque specification). Rotate the drum to ensure it spins freely without binding on brake shoes. If binding occurs, verify parking brake is released and shoes are properly positioned.
7
Install wheel and lug nuts
Mount the wheel onto the hub and install all lug nuts by hand. Thread lug nuts until snug using a hand wrench, but do not torque yet. Repeat steps 1-6 for the opposite side drum if replacing both.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
8
Lower vehicle and torque lug nuts
Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle until wheels just contact the ground but weight is still supported by jack. Torque lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star/cross pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack. Verify lug nuts are tight.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
9
Adjust parking brake and test
Pump the brake pedal 10-15 times with moderate force to center the brake shoes against the drums. Apply and release the parking brake several times. The parking brake should engage within the normal range of clicks/travel (typically 5-8 clicks). If adjustment is needed, access the parking brake cable adjuster under the center console.

Reassembly

Ensure all lug nuts are torqued to specification in star pattern
Verify parking brake operates correctly and holds vehicle on incline
Check that no tools or parts were left in wheel well area

Verification

Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) and verify brakes operate smoothly without pulling or noise
Perform several brake applications of increasing firmness to verify proper brake feel
Verify parking brake holds vehicle on moderate incline
Listen for any abnormal sounds from rear brakes during initial test drive - some light noise during initial bedding is normal
Re-check lug nut torque after first 50 miles of driving

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