This procedure covers the replacement of the rear wheel cylinder on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with a 2.5L I4 engine, including brake fluid bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel cylinder × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake fluid (DOT 3) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake hardware kit (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts before raising vehicle
3. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands
4. Remove rear wheel completely
5. Locate and remove brake fluid reservoir cap to prevent vacuum lock during disassembly
6. Place drain pan under work area to catch brake fluid

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the brake drum by pulling it straight off the hub. If the drum is stuck, there are two threaded holes in the drum face where 8mm bolts can be threaded to push the drum off. Ensure parking brake is released. If shoes are expanded and preventing removal, access the adjuster through the rubber plug in the backing plate and rotate the adjuster star wheel to retract the shoes.
2. 2

   Document brake assembly
   Take photos of the brake shoe arrangement and spring positions for reference during reassembly. Note the orientation of all springs, clips, and the adjuster mechanism.
3. 3

   Remove brake shoes and hardware
   Using brake spring removal tool, carefully remove the upper and lower return springs. Remove the hold-down springs and pins. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the actuating lever. Remove both brake shoes as an assembly along with the adjuster mechanism. Support or tie back the parking brake cable to prevent damage.
4. 4

   Disconnect brake line from wheel cylinder
   Using a line wrench, carefully loosen and disconnect the brake line fitting from the rear of the wheel cylinder. Be prepared for brake fluid spillage. Cap or plug the brake line immediately to minimize fluid loss and prevent contamination.
   Torque spec

   Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove wheel cylinder mounting bolts
   Remove the two wheel cylinder mounting bolts from the backing plate using a 12mm or 14mm socket (verify size for your specific cylinder). The wheel cylinder is now free to remove from the backing plate.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Clean mounting surface
   Clean the wheel cylinder mounting surface on the backing plate using brake cleaner and a wire brush. Remove all rust, old brake fluid residue, and debris to ensure proper sealing of the new cylinder.
7. 7

   Install new wheel cylinder
   Position the new wheel cylinder onto the backing plate, aligning the mounting bolt holes. Install and hand-tighten the mounting bolts. Torque the mounting bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

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

   Connect brake line
   Remove the cap or plug from the brake line. Thread the brake line fitting into the wheel cylinder by hand to avoid cross-threading. Using a line wrench and torque wrench, tighten the fitting to specification. Do not overtighten as this can damage the fitting.
   Torque spec

   Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall brake shoes and hardware
   Lubricate the brake shoe contact points on the backing plate with high-temperature brake grease (small amounts only). Reinstall the brake shoes, adjuster mechanism, hold-down springs, and return springs in reverse order of removal. Reference the photos taken earlier. Reconnect the parking brake cable to the actuating lever. Ensure all springs are properly seated.
10. 10

    Adjust brake shoes
    Manually rotate the adjuster star wheel to expand the brake shoes until they create slight drag when rotating the hub by hand. Then back off the adjuster 6-8 clicks until the hub rotates freely with minimal drag. This provides proper initial adjustment.
11. 11

    Reinstall brake drum and wheel
    Clean the drum mounting surface and reinstall the brake drum. Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground to prevent rotation. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Bleed brake system
    With the vehicle still supported safely, bleed the brake system starting with the wheel cylinder just replaced. Attach a clear hose to the bleeder screw and submerge the other end in a container with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-5 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw to release fluid and air, then close it before the pedal reaches the floor. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in the fluid. Torque the bleeder screw to specification when complete. Check and refill the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line frequently during bleeding.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle completely to the ground after bleeding is complete
2. Reinstall the brake fluid reservoir cap securely
3. Pump the brake pedal several times to ensure proper pedal feel and brake shoe positioning
4. Check brake fluid level and top off to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 fluid if needed

Verification

• Verify firm brake pedal with no excessive travel or sponginess
• Check for any brake fluid leaks at the wheel cylinder and line connection
• Test parking brake operation and ensure it holds the vehicle on an incline
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area to confirm proper braking function
• Re-check brake fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Verify no unusual noises or pulling during braking
• Check brake drum for proper rotation without excessive drag

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