Replace drum brake springs, adjusters, and hardware on rear brakes to restore proper brake shoe operation and prevent brake fade or failure.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear drum brake hardware kit (includes springs, adjusters, hold-down pins, clips) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated brake parts cleaner
• High-temperature brake grease × 1 — Silicone-based brake lubricant

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake firmly
2. Chock front wheels securely on both sides
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points on rear subframe
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight, positioned at manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
7. Release parking brake to allow drum removal
8. Take multiple photos of brake assembly from different angles before disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the two Phillips head screws securing the drum to the hub if present (may be rusted or stripped). Pull the drum straight off the hub. If drum is stuck due to rust or shoe adjustment, thread two 8mm bolts into the threaded holes on the drum face and tighten evenly to press the drum off. If still stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap around the outer edge of the drum. If drum will not come off due to brake shoe adjustment, locate the rubber inspection plug on the backing plate, remove it, and use a brake adjusting tool to turn the adjuster star wheel to retract the brake shoes.
2. 2

   Clean and inspect backing plate
   Spray brake cleaner liberally on all brake components and wipe with clean rags. Never use compressed air to blow brake dust. Inspect the backing plate for cracks, damage, or excessive rust. Inspect wheel cylinder for any signs of brake fluid leakage (wetness or staining around dust boots). If wheel cylinder is leaking, it must be replaced before proceeding. Inspect brake shoes for thickness - if lining is less than 2mm thick, shoes must be replaced.
3. 3

   Remove brake shoe hold-down springs and pins
   Using brake spring pliers or hold-down spring tool, press down on the hold-down spring cup while rotating 90 degrees to align the slot with the pin behind the backing plate. Release tension and remove the spring, cup, and pin. Repeat for the second hold-down spring. Keep hardware organized - note that springs may be different sizes for leading and trailing shoes.
   ⚠Hold-down springs are under tension. Keep fingers clear of spring path when releasing.
4. 4

   Remove upper return spring
   Using brake spring pliers, grip the upper return spring near the anchor point and rotate/pull to unhook it from the leading shoe. Then unhook from the trailing shoe. This is typically the strongest spring in the assembly. Note the orientation and position of the spring for reassembly.
5. 5

   Disconnect and remove brake shoes and adjuster assembly
   Unhook the lower return spring from both shoes using brake spring pliers. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the parking brake lever on the trailing shoe by lifting the cable end out of the lever slot. Remove both brake shoes together with the adjuster strut and spring still attached. Lay the assembly on a clean work surface. Take note of how the adjuster mechanism is positioned between the shoes.
6. 6

   Disassemble old hardware from brake shoes
   Separate the adjuster strut, adjuster spring, and adjuster lever from the old brake shoes. Remove the parking brake lever from the trailing shoe by removing the C-clip or retaining clip. Keep the parking brake lever as it typically is not included in hardware kits. Clean the adjuster mechanism thoroughly with brake cleaner and inspect threads for damage. If adjuster is seized, corroded, or damaged, it should be replaced (usually included in hardware kit).
   ℹ️The parking brake lever is typically reused. Handle the C-clip carefully as it can spring off during removal.
7. 7

   Prepare and lubricate backing plate contact points
   Wire brush the six brake shoe contact pads on the backing plate (three on each side where shoes ride). Clean thoroughly with brake cleaner. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature silicone brake grease to each of the six contact points. Do NOT use petroleum-based grease. Apply grease sparingly - excess grease can contaminate brake linings. Wipe off any excess.
8. 8

   Install new hardware on brake shoes
   Transfer the parking brake lever to the new trailing shoe (or reuse existing shoes if only replacing hardware) and secure with new C-clip from hardware kit. Ensure C-clip is fully seated. Lightly lubricate the adjuster screw threads with high-temperature brake grease. Thread the adjuster mechanism all the way in to its shortest length. Install the new adjuster spring, strut, and lever between the shoes according to the hardware kit instructions and reference photos taken earlier.
9. 9

   Install brake shoe assembly
   Connect the parking brake cable to the parking brake lever on the trailing shoe. Position both shoes onto the backing plate, engaging the shoes with the wheel cylinder pistons at the top and the anchor at the bottom. Install the new lower return spring between both shoes at the bottom. Install both new hold-down pins, springs, and cups through the backing plate, pressing and rotating 90 degrees to lock in place. Ensure shoes are properly seated in wheel cylinder slots at top.
10. 10

    Install upper return spring
    Using brake spring pliers, stretch and hook the new upper return spring onto the leading shoe anchor point first, then stretch across and hook onto the trailing shoe. This requires significant force - ensure spring is fully seated in the anchor holes on both shoes. Verify the adjuster lever is properly positioned to engage with the adjuster star wheel.
    ⚠Upper return spring is under extreme tension. Ensure spring tool has firm grip before releasing. Wear safety glasses.
11. 11

    Verify assembly and initial adjustment
    Double-check that all springs are properly installed and seated by comparing to the reference photos and the opposite side drum assembly. Verify the adjuster mechanism moves freely when the adjuster lever is lifted. Turn the adjuster star wheel with a screwdriver to expand the brake shoes until they are near drum diameter. The shoes should move smoothly and return to position.
12. 12

    Install brake drum and adjust
    Clean the inside of the brake drum with brake cleaner. Inspect drum for cracks, scoring, or excessive wear - replace if damaged. Slide drum over brake shoes. It should slide on with slight resistance. If drum will not fit, back off the adjuster star wheel. Install drum retaining screws if equipped (typically not critical). Through the adjustment hole in the backing plate, turn the adjuster star wheel upward until the drum will not rotate, then back off 6-8 clicks until drum rotates freely with very slight drag. The drum should rotate without binding but with light shoe contact.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat the entire procedure (steps 1-12) for the opposite rear wheel. Both rear brakes must be serviced with matching hardware to ensure even braking performance. Use the first completed side as a reference for proper spring and hardware positioning.
14. 14

    Install wheels and perform final torque
    Install rear wheels and thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact the ground but suspension is not fully loaded. Torque lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star/cross pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque lug nuts again in star pattern to specification to ensure proper seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. If parking brake cables were removed or disturbed, verify parking brake engages fully and releases completely
2. Ensure all brake spring tools and equipment are removed from vehicle
3. Verify both rear drums rotate freely without binding or excessive drag
4. Do not drive vehicle until brake pedal verification is complete

Verification

• With vehicle still raised on jack stands, rotate each rear drum by hand - should spin freely with only slight drag from shoes
• Lower vehicle completely to ground
• CRITICAL: Pump brake pedal slowly 10-15 times to verify firm pedal feel. Pedal should become firm and hold - if pedal goes to floor, do NOT drive vehicle and inspect for assembly errors
• Engage parking brake - should hold vehicle on slight incline and release fully when disengaged
• Test drive in safe area at low speeds (under 15 mph) and verify brakes operate smoothly without pulling to one side
• Perform 5-10 gentle brake applications from 25 mph to bed in new hardware and seat brake shoes
• Verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or pulling during braking
• After first 50-100 miles, re-check rear brake adjustment and readjust if necessary through backing plate access holes
• Inspect for proper parking brake operation - should engage within 5-8 clicks of handle travel

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