Parking Brake Shoes

Replace the parking brake shoes on the rear disc brake assembly, which uses a drum-in-hat design with internal parking brake shoes.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Parking brake shoe set (rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Parking brake shoe return springs × 1 — Often included with shoe set
• Shoe hold-down springs and pins × 1 — Often included with shoe set
• Brake parts lubricant (high-temp) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake initially to prevent rolling
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise rear of vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
4. Remove both rear wheels
5. Release parking brake from inside vehicle

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear caliper and rotor
   Remove the two caliper mounting bolts (17mm) from the back of the caliper. Carefully lift the caliper assembly off the rotor and suspend it using a caliper hanger or wire from the suspension—never let it hang by the brake hose. Remove the rotor by pulling it straight off the hub. If rotor is stuck, use two M8 threaded holes in rotor face to press it off evenly with bolts.
2. 2

   Inspect parking brake drum surface
   The parking brake drum is the inner surface of the rear rotor. Inspect for excessive wear, scoring, or heat damage. Measure drum diameter if possible—maximum diameter is typically 190mm (7.48 inches). If drum surface is damaged beyond specification, rotor replacement is required. Clean drum surface thoroughly with brake cleaner.
3. 3

   Document shoe and spring configuration
   Before disassembly, take clear photos of the parking brake shoe assembly from multiple angles. Note the position of the upper and lower return springs, adjuster mechanism location, and shoe orientation. The leading and trailing shoes may be different lengths. Use the opposite side as reference during reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove shoe hold-down springs
   Using brake spring pliers, remove the shoe hold-down springs by pressing down on the spring cap while rotating it 90 degrees to align with the pin slot. Remove both hold-down spring assemblies (one per shoe) and set aside the springs, cups, and pins in order.
   ⚠Hold-down springs are under tension. Keep fingers clear and control the spring during release.
5. 5

   Remove upper return spring and shoes
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully unhook the upper return spring connecting the two shoes at the top. Remove the spring. Spread the shoes apart at the top and disengage them from the anchor pin. Note the position of any washers or clips on the anchor pin.
6. 6

   Disconnect adjuster mechanism
   Remove the lower return spring connecting the shoes at the bottom. Disconnect the adjuster mechanism—this typically consists of an adjuster strut, adjuster spring, and adjuster screw assembly. Note which direction the adjuster threads are oriented. Remove both shoes completely from the backing plate.
7. 7

   Disconnect parking brake cable
   At the rear of the backing plate, disconnect the parking brake cable from the lever arm attached to the trailing shoe. Remove the C-clip or retaining clip securing the lever to the shoe using needle-nose pliers. Transfer the lever and any associated hardware to the new trailing shoe in the same orientation.
8. 8

   Clean and inspect backing plate
   Thoroughly clean the backing plate with brake cleaner and a wire brush. Inspect for cracks, damage, or excessive rust. Clean the six raised shoe contact pads on the backing plate where the shoes ride. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake lubricant to these contact points only—do not get lubricant on friction surfaces.
9. 9

   Prepare adjuster mechanism
   Clean the adjuster screw assembly with brake cleaner and wire brush. Verify threads move smoothly. Apply high-temperature brake lubricant to adjuster screw threads. Collapse the adjuster to its shortest position to allow installation. Ensure adjuster spring and strut are in good condition—replace if damaged.
10. 10

    Install new shoes and connect adjuster
    Attach the parking brake lever to the new trailing shoe with the retaining clip. Connect the parking brake cable to the lever. Position the leading and trailing shoes on the backing plate in the correct orientation (refer to photos). Install the adjuster mechanism between the shoes at the bottom, ensuring proper orientation. Install the lower return spring connecting the shoes.
11. 11

    Install upper spring and secure shoes
    Spread the shoes at the top and position them onto the anchor pin at the top of the backing plate. Install any washers or clips on the anchor pin. Using brake spring pliers, stretch and install the upper return spring connecting the two shoes at the top. Ensure shoes are properly seated on the anchor pin.
    ⚠Upper return spring is under high tension. Ensure spring ends are fully seated in shoe holes to prevent release.
12. 12

    Install hold-down springs
    Install the hold-down spring assemblies on both shoes. Insert the pin through the backing plate from behind, place the shoe over the pin, install the spring and cup, then press down on the cup while rotating 90 degrees to lock. Verify both shoes are properly centered and can move slightly when pulled.
13. 13

    Reinstall rotor and caliper
    Clean the hub surface with brake cleaner. Install the rotor onto the hub, aligning with the wheel studs. Verify rotor rotates freely without excessive drag from new parking brake shoes. Remove the caliper from its hanger and reinstall over the rotor. Install and torque the two caliper mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Adjust parking brake shoes
    Rotate the rotor and locate the adjuster access hole (small rubber plug in backing plate or hole in rotor hat). Remove the plug. Using a flat-head screwdriver or brake adjuster tool, rotate the adjuster star wheel to expand the shoes until the rotor drags noticeably. Then back off the adjuster 8-10 clicks until the rotor rotates freely with minimal drag. Reinstall the access plug.
15. 15

    Repeat for opposite side and install wheels
    Perform the complete procedure on the opposite rear wheel, using the first side as reference if needed. Reinstall both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower vehicle to the ground and torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts108 Nm (80 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all springs are properly seated and shoes are centered on backing plate before installing rotor
2. Verify parking brake cable is properly connected and moves freely
3. Double-check that adjuster mechanism is in correct orientation and at shortest position before adjustment

Verification

• With vehicle on ground, firmly apply and release parking brake pedal 5-10 times to allow automatic adjuster to function
• Verify parking brake holds vehicle on a slight incline—brake should engage within 3-6 clicks of the pedal
• Test drive at low speed in safe area and verify service brakes operate normally (parking brake shoes do not affect normal braking)
• After test drive, verify rear rotors are not excessively hot, which would indicate dragging parking brake shoes—readjust if necessary
• Final check: Parking brake should hold vehicle firmly without excessive pedal travel (maximum 10 clicks)

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