Drum Brake Shoes - Rear

This procedure replaces the rear drum brake shoes on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including adjustment of the automatic adjuster mechanism.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake shoe set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Brake hardware spring kit × 1 — Included with most brake shoe sets
• Brake drum (if scored or worn beyond service limit) × 2 — Measure before ordering

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake firmly
2. Chock front wheels securely to prevent vehicle movement
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands rated for vehicle weight, placed on proper frame jacking points
5. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
6. Spray brake assemblies thoroughly with brake cleaner and allow to drip onto shop rags placed underneath (never use compressed air due to asbestos hazard)
7. Take photos of brake assembly from multiple angles before disassembly for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the brake drum retaining screw if present (some models may not have this). Pull brake drum straight off the hub assembly. If drum is stuck due to rust or brake shoe wear, use a rubber mallet to tap around the outer edge of the drum. If drum still won't release, the brake shoes may be preventing removal: locate the adjuster access hole (rubber plug on backing plate), remove plug, and use a brake spoon to rotate the adjuster star wheel to retract the shoes. If drum is severely seized, use a drum puller attached to the threaded holes on the drum face.
   ⚠Brake drums can be heavy and have sharp edges. Support the drum to prevent it from falling.
2. 2

   Inspect drum and wheel cylinder
   Inspect the inside surface of the brake drum for scoring, heat cracks, or excessive wear. Measure drum diameter with micrometer if available and compare to maximum diameter specification (usually stamped on drum). Check wheel cylinder for leaks by pulling back the dust boots; any brake fluid indicates failure requiring wheel cylinder replacement. Verify parking brake cable moves freely and returns to rest position.
   ℹ️Maximum drum diameter is typically 200mm (7.87 inches) for this vehicle. Drums exceeding this must be replaced.
3. 3

   Remove brake shoe hold-down springs
   Using the brake shoe hold-down spring tool, compress and rotate each hold-down spring cup 90 degrees to release from the hold-down pin behind the backing plate. There are two hold-down springs, one for each brake shoe. Remove the spring, cup, and pin for each shoe and set aside in organized manner. These springs are under moderate tension.
   ⚠Hold-down springs are under tension. Keep fingers clear of spring path and use proper tool to prevent injury.
4. 4

   Disconnect return springs
   Using brake spring pliers or removal tool, carefully remove the upper return spring connecting the tops of both brake shoes. This spring has significant tension. Next, remove the lower return spring. Note the position and orientation of each spring for proper reinstallation. Keep upper and lower springs separate as they may be different strengths.
   ⚠️Return springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if tool slips. Always pull spring away from your body and keep face clear.
5. 5

   Remove front (leading) brake shoe
   Disconnect the front brake shoe from the parking brake lever and adjuster mechanism. The shoe should now be free to remove from the backing plate. Note the position of any washers or shims. Set the old shoe aside. Remove and inspect the adjuster strut and spring connecting the two shoes.
6. 6

   Remove rear (trailing) brake shoe and parking brake lever
   The rear brake shoe is connected to the parking brake lever via a C-clip or E-clip. Using needle-nose pliers, carefully remove the clip securing the parking brake lever to the rear shoe. Remove the rear shoe from the backing plate. If reusing the parking brake lever (typically it transfers to new shoes), remove it and any washers, noting their orientation for reassembly.
   ⚠Parking brake lever clips can spring off during removal. Control the clip to prevent loss.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect backing plate
   Use wire brush and brake cleaner to thoroughly clean the backing plate, paying special attention to the six raised shoe contact pads where the brake shoes ride. Inspect backing plate for cracks or damage. Check that wheel cylinder pistons have not extended (they should be flush); if extended, do NOT press brake pedal. Clean the adjuster mechanism components with brake cleaner and verify the star wheel rotates freely.
8. 8

   Apply brake lubricant to contact points
   Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to the six raised contact pads on the backing plate where the brake shoe platforms will ride. Also apply a small amount to the threads and socket end of the adjuster screw mechanism. Do NOT allow any grease to contact the friction surface of the new brake shoes or the inside of the drum. Wipe hands clean before handling new shoes.
   ⚠Contamination of brake shoe friction material with grease will cause brake failure. Use grease sparingly and only on metal-to-metal contact points.
9. 9

   Install parking brake lever on new rear shoe
   Transfer the parking brake lever to the new rear brake shoe in the same orientation as removed from the old shoe. Install any washers in correct order and secure with the parking brake lever clip. Ensure the clip is fully seated and the lever pivots freely on the pin.
10. 10

    Install new rear (trailing) brake shoe
    Position the new rear brake shoe onto the backing plate, engaging the bottom of the shoe with the wheel cylinder piston slot and the lower anchor. Connect the parking brake cable to the parking brake lever. Install the hold-down pin through the backing plate and shoe web, then install the hold-down spring, cup, and rotate to lock in place using the hold-down spring tool.
11. 11

    Install adjuster mechanism and front shoe
    Install the adjuster strut and spring between the two shoe positions. Position the new front brake shoe onto the backing plate, engaging with the wheel cylinder piston slot at the top and the adjuster mechanism. Ensure the adjuster is positioned correctly with the star wheel accessible from the adjustment hole. Install the hold-down pin, spring, and cup for the front shoe.
    ℹ️The adjuster mechanism is often handed (left vs right side specific). Verify correct side installation.
12. 12

    Install return springs
    Install the lower return spring first, hooking both shoes at the bottom. Using brake spring installation tool, carefully stretch and install the upper return spring, connecting the tops of both shoes. Verify both springs are fully seated in their anchor holes on each shoe. Double-check that all components match the reference photos taken during disassembly and/or the opposite side assembly.
    ⚠️Installing springs requires significant force. Ensure tool has secure grip to prevent spring from releasing under tension.
13. 13

    Adjust brake shoes and install drum
    Turn the adjuster star wheel to expand the brake shoes until the drum slides on with slight drag. The drum should require moderate effort to rotate by hand. If drum won't fit over shoes, back off adjuster. Clean drum interior with brake cleaner before installation. Install drum retaining screw if equipped. The automatic adjuster will fine-tune the clearance during the first few brake applications in reverse.
14. 14

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-13 on the opposite rear wheel, using the first completed side as reference if needed. Ensure both sides are adjusted to similar drag when rotating the drum by hand for even braking.
15. 15

    Install wheels and perform initial pedal check
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground and torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Before starting engine or moving vehicle, pump brake pedal several times until firm pedal is achieved. Check brake fluid reservoir and top off to MAX line with DOT 3 brake fluid if needed. Do NOT drive vehicle until firm pedal is confirmed.
    ⚠️Vehicle is not safe to drive until brake pedal is firm and holds pressure. If pedal is soft or goes to floor, do not move vehicle and investigate immediately.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts103 Nm (76 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all brake springs are properly seated and under tension
2. Verify parking brake cable is connected and operates smoothly
3. Confirm brake drums rotate with slight, even drag on both sides
4. Check that no tools or parts were left in wheel well area
5. Verify brake fluid reservoir is at proper level with DOT 3 fluid

Verification

• Start engine and pump brake pedal several times; pedal should be firm and not sink to floor
• With engine running, parking brake released, attempt to push vehicle by hand - it should roll freely without brake drag
• Apply parking brake firmly - vehicle should be held securely and not roll
• Perform test drive in safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) to verify brakes engage smoothly without pulling to one side
• Perform 5-10 gentle brake applications from 20 mph to bed in new shoes
• After 50-100 miles, re-check brake adjustment by verifying firm pedal feel and checking for any unusual noises or pulling
• Visually inspect around drums for any fluid leaks after first test drive
• After break-in period (200-300 miles), verify full braking effectiveness and proper pedal height

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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