This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wheel cylinder on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, including bleeding the brake system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel cylinder × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake shoe hardware spring kit (if damaged) × 1 — Optional replacement
• Brake drum (if scored or damaged) × 1 — Optional replacement

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on the ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support with jack stands under designated lift points
4. Remove rear wheel completely
5. Locate brake fluid reservoir under hood and check fluid level; prepare to top off during bleeding
6. Have a helper available for brake bleeding procedure if possible

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the brake drum by pulling it straight off the hub. If drum is stuck, remove the rubber access plug from the backing plate and use a brake adjustment tool to retract the brake shoes. If still seized, use a brake drum puller or tap gently with a rubber mallet around the outer edge. Do not strike the center of the drum.
2. 2

   Inspect and photograph brake assembly
   Before disassembly, photograph the brake shoe configuration for reference during reassembly. Inspect all brake components for wear, damage, or fluid contamination. If wheel cylinder has been leaking, the brake shoes must also be replaced.
3. 3

   Remove brake shoes
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully remove the upper and lower return springs. Remove the shoe hold-down springs and pins by pressing and rotating 90 degrees. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the parking brake lever. Remove both brake shoes as an assembly. Note the position of all hardware for reassembly.
   ⚠Brake return springs are under high tension. Use proper brake spring tools to avoid injury or losing parts.
4. 4

   Disconnect brake line
   Place a catch pan under the wheel cylinder. Using a 10mm line wrench (flare nut wrench), carefully loosen and disconnect the brake line from the rear of the wheel cylinder. Immediately plug the brake line with a rubber cap or wrap with plastic to minimize fluid loss and contamination. Allow wheel cylinder to drain into catch pan.
   ℹ️Use a line wrench instead of an open-end wrench to avoid rounding off the soft brass fitting.
5. 5

   Remove wheel cylinder mounting bolts
   Using a 14mm socket, remove the two wheel cylinder mounting bolts from the backing plate. The bolts are accessed from the rear of the backing plate. Remove the wheel cylinder from the backing plate.
6. 6

   Clean backing plate and inspect
   Clean the backing plate mounting surface with brake parts cleaner and a wire brush. Inspect the backing plate for cracks, excessive rust, or damage. Check that the brake line fitting threads are clean and undamaged.
7. 7

   Install new wheel cylinder
   Position the new wheel cylinder onto the backing plate. Install the two mounting bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the wheel cylinder is properly seated against the backing plate before final torquing.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect brake line
   Remove the plug from the brake line. Thread the brake line into the wheel cylinder by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a 10mm line wrench, tighten the brake line fitting securely. Do not overtighten the brass fitting.
   ⚠Cross-threading the brake line will ruin the wheel cylinder. Thread fitting by hand first to verify proper engagement.
9. 9

   Reinstall brake shoes and hardware
   Refer to your reference photo and the opposite wheel if needed. Apply a thin coat of high-temperature brake grease to the six shoe contact pads on the backing plate. Install the brake shoes with hold-down springs and pins. Reconnect the parking brake cable. Install the upper and lower return springs using brake spring pliers. Verify all hardware is properly installed and shoes move freely.
10. 10

    Adjust brake shoes
    Rotate the brake shoe adjuster star wheel (accessed through the backing plate hole) until the brake shoes lightly drag on the inside of the drum when drum is test-fitted. Then back off the adjuster 8-10 clicks until the drum rotates freely with only slight drag. This provides proper initial shoe-to-drum clearance.
11. 11

    Reinstall brake drum
    Clean the drum interior with brake parts cleaner if reusing. Slide the drum over the hub and brake shoes. The drum should rotate with minimal drag. If binding occurs, readjust the brake shoes.
12. 12

    Bleed rear brake
    Have an assistant sit in the driver's seat. Attach a clear hose to the bleeder screw and submerge the other end in a container with fresh brake fluid. Instruct assistant to pump brake pedal 5-6 times and hold down. Open bleeder screw with a 10mm wrench while pedal is held down. Close bleeder before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in the hose. Check and top off brake fluid reservoir frequently during this process.
    ⚠Never let the brake pedal go to the floor with the bleeder open, as this can draw air into the system.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel onto the hub. Thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern with a lug wrench. Lower vehicle to the ground. With vehicle weight on the wheel, torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

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

    Test brake pedal and recheck fluid
    With engine off, pump brake pedal several times to seat the brake shoes and build pressure. Pedal should feel firm. Top off brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Check for leaks around the wheel cylinder and brake line connection.

Reassembly

1. If replacing wheel cylinders on both rear wheels, repeat entire procedure on opposite side
2. After both sides are complete, bleed all four brakes starting from the wheel farthest from the master cylinder (right rear, left rear, right front, left front)
3. Install the rubber access plug back into the backing plate if it was removed

Verification

• Start engine and pump brake pedal several times; pedal should feel firm and not sink to the floor
• Check brake fluid level in reservoir and top off if needed to MAX line
• Inspect wheel cylinder, brake line connection, and bleeder screw for any signs of leakage
• Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speed to verify proper brake operation before returning to normal driving
• After 50-100 miles, recheck brake adjustment and brake fluid level; rear drums may require minor adjustment after initial bedding

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