Replace rear drum brake hardware kit including springs, adjusters, and hold-down components to restore proper brake function and safety.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear drum brake hardware kit (springs, adjusters, hold-downs) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Brake cleaner solvent × 1 — Non-chlorinated brake parts cleaner
• High-temperature brake grease × 1 — Silicone-based brake lubricant

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Release parking brake to allow drum removal
7. Take photos of brake assembly from multiple angles before disassembly for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the two Phillips head screws securing the drum to the hub (if equipped). Pull drum straight off the hub. If drum is seized, tap around the outer edge with rubber mallet. If drum still won't release, thread 8mm bolts into the provided threaded holes in drum face to press drum off evenly. Do not force or pry drum off as this can damage components.
2. 2

   Inspect brake components
   With drum removed, inspect brake shoes for wear, cracks, or contamination. Measure shoe thickness - minimum is 1mm (0.04 inch). Inspect wheel cylinder for fluid leaks at dust boots. Check drum inner diameter for scoring, cracks, or excessive wear. Maximum drum diameter is 230.0mm (9.055 inches). If any component fails inspection, this procedure must be expanded to include those replacements.
   ⚠If wheel cylinder shows any sign of leaking, it must be replaced before proceeding. Brake fluid on shoes requires shoe replacement.
3. 3

   Remove upper return spring
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully grip the upper return spring at one end and rotate to unhook it from the leading brake shoe anchor. Control the spring as tension releases. Remove spring from trailing shoe anchor. Set aside and compare to new spring from hardware kit to verify correct replacement part.
   ⚠Brake springs are under high tension. Ensure proper grip with spring tool before releasing. Wear eye protection.
4. 4

   Remove shoe hold-down springs and pins
   Using hold-down spring tool, press down on the hold-down cup while rotating 90 degrees to align slot with pin head. Release tension and remove cup, spring, and pin from leading shoe. Repeat for trailing shoe. Keep hardware organized for comparison with new parts.
5. 5

   Disconnect parking brake cable and remove shoes
   Using needle-nose pliers, disconnect the parking brake cable from the parking brake lever on the trailing shoe. Carefully spread shoes apart at top and lift assembly away from backing plate. Remove lower return spring that connects the two shoes. Disconnect adjuster spring and remove adjuster screw assembly. Separate shoes.
6. 6

   Clean backing plate and inspect
   Spray backing plate thoroughly with brake parts cleaner to remove all dust and debris. Never use compressed air. Use wire brush to clean the six shoe contact pads on backing plate. Inspect backing plate for cracks, damage, or excessive rust. Clean wheel cylinder mounting area and inspect mounting bolts for tightness.
7. 7

   Lubricate backing plate contact points
   Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to all six shoe contact pads on backing plate (three on each side where shoe edges rest). Also apply small amount to parking brake lever pivot point and adjuster screw threads. Do NOT allow grease to contact brake shoe friction material or drum inner surface.
   ⚠Use grease sparingly. Excess grease can migrate to friction surfaces and cause brake failure.
8. 8

   Prepare new adjuster and springs
   From the hardware kit, identify the adjuster screw assembly for the side being serviced (left and right are different). Verify adjuster moves freely and threads are clean. Apply small amount of high-temperature brake grease to adjuster threads and socket end. Lay out new return springs, hold-down springs, and pins for installation.
9. 9

   Reassemble brake shoes with new hardware
   Connect parking brake lever to trailing shoe. Install new lower return spring between shoes. Position new adjuster assembly between shoes with star wheel toward rear of vehicle. Install new adjuster spring. Verify assembly matches reference photo from opposite side. Connect parking brake cable to lever.
10. 10

    Install shoe assembly to backing plate
    Position shoe assembly onto backing plate, spreading shoes slightly to clear wheel cylinder pistons. Ensure parking brake lever engages properly with backing plate. Install new hold-down pins from rear of backing plate through shoes. Install new hold-down springs and cups, pressing down and rotating 90 degrees to lock. Verify shoes are seated properly on all six backing plate contact pads.
11. 11

    Install upper return spring
    Using brake spring pliers, install new upper return spring between leading and trailing shoe anchors at top of assembly. Ensure spring is fully seated in shoe anchor holes. Verify spring position matches reference photo. Check that shoes are centered on backing plate and move freely.
12. 12

    Adjust brake shoes
    Turn adjuster star wheel with screwdriver to expand shoes until they are slightly dragging. Install brake drum - it should require moderate force to slide on. Once drum is installed, back off adjuster star wheel 8-10 clicks until drum rotates freely with only slight drag. This provides proper initial clearance.
13. 13

    Install drum and wheel
    Clean drum mounting surface and hub face with brake cleaner. Slide drum fully onto hub. Install drum retaining screws if equipped and tighten securely. Install wheel and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower vehicle until tire just touches ground to prevent rotation.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Complete the identical procedure for the opposite rear brake assembly, replacing all hardware components with new parts from the kit. Use the first completed side as reference for spring positions and adjustment. Maintain symmetry between both sides for proper brake balance.
15. 15

    Final torque and adjustment
    With both wheels installed and vehicle lowered until tires contact ground, torque all lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Pump brake pedal 15-20 times to seat shoes and establish proper adjuster position. Verify firm pedal before attempting to move vehicle.
    ⚠️Do not move vehicle until brake pedal is pumped and firm pedal is confirmed. First pedal stroke will go to floor - this is normal.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. After completing both sides, test parking brake engagement - should hold vehicle on moderate incline within 5-8 clicks
2. If parking brake requires adjustment, access adjusting nut inside center console and adjust per service manual procedure
3. Perform initial brake test in safe area at low speed before returning to service

Verification

• Pump brake pedal 15-20 times - pedal should be firm and hold steady pressure without sinking
• Verify pedal height is normal compared to before service
• Test drive in safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) - brakes should apply smoothly without pulling to either side
• Perform several gentle brake applications to bed in new hardware
• Listen for any unusual noises - slight scraping for first few applications is normal as shoes seat
• After 50-100 miles, re-check drum adjustment and parking brake function
• No brake warning lights should be illuminated on instrument cluster

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