Parking Brake Shoes

Replace the rear parking brake shoes on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4, which are located inside the rear disc brake rotor assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Parking brake shoe set (both rear wheels) × 2 — 04495-06080 or equivalent
• Parking brake hardware kit (springs and clips) × 2 — Often included with shoe set

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and place transmission in Park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual)
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Release the parking brake lever/pedal completely inside the vehicle
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove
5. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
6. Remove both rear wheels and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two caliper slide bolts (14mm) and carefully lift the caliper assembly off. Support the caliper with a wire or bungee cord so it does not hang by the brake hose. Do NOT disconnect the brake line. Once caliper is secured, remove the rotor by pulling it straight off the hub. If the rotor is stuck, use light tapping with a rubber mallet or thread bolts into the threaded holes (if equipped) to push it off.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Inspect parking brake assembly and photograph configuration
   With the rotor removed, the parking brake shoe assembly is now visible. Take photographs from multiple angles to document the spring and hardware positions for reassembly. Note the location of the adjuster mechanism (usually at the bottom), upper and lower return springs, hold-down springs, and the shoe-to-shoe spring. Clean the assembly with brake cleaner and allow to dry.
3. 3

   Remove upper return spring
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully remove the upper return spring that connects the tops of both shoes. This spring is under significant tension, so control it carefully as it releases. Set the spring aside for comparison with new hardware kit.
   ⚠Spring is under high tension. Ensure tool has firm grip before releasing and keep hands clear of release path.
4. 4

   Remove shoe hold-down springs and pins
   Each shoe is secured by a hold-down spring and pin assembly. Using brake spring pliers or by pressing and rotating the retainer cup 90 degrees, release each hold-down spring. There are two total (one per shoe). Remove the springs, cups, and pins, keeping track of their orientation.
5. 5

   Disconnect parking brake cable from lever
   Locate the parking brake cable connection at the lever on the rear shoe. Using needle nose pliers, remove the cable from the lever arm. Note the routing and engagement method. You may need to compress the cable spring or remove a retaining clip depending on the specific design.
6. 6

   Remove adjuster assembly and lower return spring
   Remove the lower return spring connecting the bottoms of both shoes. Then carefully remove the adjuster screw assembly that sits between the shoes at the bottom. Note the orientation of the adjuster - the threaded portion should be facing a specific direction for proper operation. Clean the adjuster threads with a wire brush and apply a small amount of anti-seize to the threads.
7. 7

   Remove old shoes and transfer hardware
   With all springs and adjuster removed, separate the two shoes. If the parking brake lever and any other hardware needs to be transferred to the new shoes (check if included in new shoe set), carefully remove C-clips or retaining pins and transfer the lever to the new rear shoe in the exact same position and orientation.
8. 8

   Clean backing plate and lubricate contact points
   Wire brush the backing plate to remove rust and debris, particularly at the six raised pads where the shoes make contact. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake lubricant or anti-seize to these contact points only - do NOT get lubricant on the friction surface of the shoes or the rotor contact area.
9. 9

   Install new shoes and adjuster assembly
   Retract the adjuster screw assembly so it is at its shortest length. Position the new shoes on the backing plate and install the adjuster between them at the bottom, ensuring correct orientation (star wheel should be accessible from the back side for adjustment). Install the lower return spring connecting the shoe bottoms.
10. 10

    Connect parking brake cable and install hold-down springs
    Reconnect the parking brake cable to the lever on the rear shoe, ensuring it is fully seated. Install both shoe hold-down pins through the backing plate from the rear, then install the springs and retainer cups on the front side. Press and rotate each retainer cup to lock it onto the pin.
    Torque spec

    Hold-Down Springs8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install upper return spring
    Using brake spring pliers, install the upper return spring between the tops of both shoes. Ensure the spring is properly seated in the holes or slots on each shoe. Verify all springs and hardware match the configuration shown in your reference photos.
    ⚠Ensure spring is properly seated before releasing tool to prevent spring from coming loose during operation.
12. 12

    Verify assembly and perform initial adjustment
    Double-check that all springs, clips, and hardware are properly installed by comparing to your photos and the opposite side. Rotate the adjuster star wheel (usually with a flat screwdriver through the adjustment hole in the backing plate) to expand the shoes until they are close to the inner diameter of the drum portion of the rotor but will still allow rotor installation.
13. 13

    Reinstall rotor and caliper
    Clean the rotor hub surface and rotor mounting surface with brake cleaner. Slide the rotor back onto the hub, aligning any set screws if equipped. Remove the caliper from its support, verify the brake pads are in good condition, and reinstall the caliper over the rotor. Install and torque the caliper slide bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Adjust parking brake shoes
    Access the adjuster through the adjustment hole in the backing plate or rotor (if equipped). Rotate the star wheel to expand the shoes until the rotor will not turn freely, then back off the adjuster 8-10 clicks until the rotor rotates freely with only slight drag. Repeat this process for the second wheel. Both sides should have similar drag.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and perform final checks
    Reinstall both rear wheels and hand-tighten all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just touch the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Apply and release the parking brake 10-15 times to allow self-adjustment to occur. Test the parking brake on a slight incline to verify proper holding capability.
    ⚠️Do not drive the vehicle until parking brake function has been verified. Perform initial test in a safe area at low speed.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts103 Nm (76 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Always work on one wheel at a time to maintain a reference for spring and hardware placement
2. Ensure all springs are properly seated and under correct tension before finalizing assembly
3. Verify parking brake cable is properly connected and moves freely through its full range of motion
4. Double-check that no tools or parts are left in the wheel well before reinstalling wheels

Verification

• Apply parking brake inside vehicle and verify both rear wheels resist rotation with equal force
• Release parking brake and verify rear wheels rotate freely with only minimal drag from parking brake shoes
• Test parking brake holding ability on a slight incline - vehicle should not roll
• Drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify normal brake operation is not affected
• After 200-300 miles, re-verify parking brake adjustment as new shoes may seat and require minor adjustment

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