Drum Brake Shoes - Rear

This procedure replaces the rear drum brake shoes on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla, including removal of brake drums, replacement of shoes and hardware, and adjustment of the parking brake mechanism.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear drum brake shoe set (both sides) × 1 — Use OEM Toyota or equivalent quality aftermarket
• Brake hardware/spring kit × 1 — Often included with brake shoes
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated brake parts cleaner
• High-temperature brake grease × 1 — For backing plates and contact points

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Chock front wheels securely on both sides
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Release parking brake (if it was set for initial stability)
7. Take detailed photos of brake assembly from multiple angles before beginning disassembly
8. Spray brake assembly liberally with brake cleaner and allow to drip into catch pan - do NOT blow dust with air

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the two Phillips screws securing the drum to the hub (if present - may be absent on some models). Pull the drum straight off. If drum is stuck due to rust or shoe wear, use a rubber mallet to tap around the outer edge while pulling. If drum still won't budge, the shoes may be adjusted too tight - locate the adjuster access hole on the backing plate (usually has a rubber plug) and use a flathead screwdriver to rotate the adjuster star wheel to retract the shoes. On this generation Corolla, the adjuster is typically accessed from the rear of the backing plate.
2. 2

   Inspect and clean components
   With drum removed, inspect the wheel cylinder for any signs of leaking brake fluid (wetness around boot). If leaking, the wheel cylinder must be replaced before proceeding. Spray the entire brake assembly again with brake cleaner. Inspect the drum interior surface for scoring, cracks, or excessive wear. Measure drum diameter if possible - maximum diameter is typically stamped inside the drum. Clean drum interior with brake cleaner and wipe with clean rag.
3. 3

   Remove brake shoe return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, remove the upper return spring first (connects tops of both shoes). This spring has significant tension - control it carefully. Next remove the lower return spring. On the Corolla drum brake, there is typically one strong upper spring and additional hardware springs. Note the orientation and position of each spring as you remove it. Keep springs organized and compare to new hardware kit.
4. 4

   Remove brake shoe hold-down hardware
   Each brake shoe is secured to the backing plate by a hold-down spring and cup assembly. Using brake spring pliers or a hold-down tool, press down on the cup, rotate 90 degrees to align the slot with the pin, and release. Remove the cup, spring, and pin from each shoe. There are typically two hold-downs per side (one on each shoe).
5. 5

   Disconnect parking brake cable and remove shoes
   Note how the parking brake lever connects to the rear shoe. Carefully unhook the parking brake cable from the lever arm on the rear (trailing) shoe. Remove the front shoe, noting the position of the adjuster mechanism. Remove the rear shoe with parking brake lever attached. Be careful not to damage the wheel cylinder boots during removal.
6. 6

   Transfer parking brake lever to new shoe
   The parking brake lever must be transferred from the old rear shoe to the new rear shoe. Remove the C-clip or retaining clip securing the lever to the old shoe (usually requires needle-nose pliers or small flathead screwdriver). Install the lever on the new shoe in the exact same position and orientation, securing with the clip. Ensure the clip is fully seated.
7. 7

   Clean and lubricate backing plate
   Use wire brush and brake cleaner to thoroughly clean the backing plate, especially the six raised contact points where the brake shoes rest. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to these contact points only. Do NOT get grease on the shoe friction surface or wheel cylinder. Clean the adjuster mechanism thoroughly and apply a small amount of brake grease to the threads and contact points.
8. 8

   Install new brake shoes
   Position the new rear shoe (with parking brake lever) first, connecting the parking brake cable to the lever. Install the front shoe. Position the adjuster mechanism between the shoes in the correct orientation (the adjuster typically has a star wheel that should be accessible from the adjustment hole). Ensure both shoes are properly seated in the wheel cylinder slots at the top and on the anchor pin at the bottom.
9. 9

   Install hold-down hardware
   Install the hold-down pins through the backing plate from behind. Position each hold-down spring and cup over its pin on each shoe. Using the brake tool, press down on the cup and rotate 90 degrees to lock in place. Ensure both hold-downs on each side are secure and the shoes sit flat against the backing plate contact points.
10. 10

    Install return springs and hardware
    Install the lower return spring between the two shoes first. Then install the upper return spring - this requires significant force with the brake spring pliers. Ensure springs are properly seated in the shoe holes and correctly positioned. Install any additional hardware springs or clips according to your reference photos or the opposite side assembly. Double-check that all springs match the original configuration.
11. 11

    Pre-adjust brake shoes
    Use a brake shoe adjustment gauge set to the inside diameter of the drum (or measure drum with caliper and set gauge accordingly). Rotate the adjuster star wheel until the shoes expand to match the gauge setting, or slightly less. If no gauge is available, install the drum and adjust until there is slight drag when rotating the drum, then back off 5-6 clicks. Proper pre-adjustment is critical for brake performance.
12. 12

    Install brake drum
    Clean the hub surface with wire brush. Slide the drum over the shoes - it should fit with minimal resistance if properly adjusted. If drum won't fit, back off the adjuster. Install the drum retaining screws (if equipped) and tighten securely but do not overtorque these small screws. Verify the drum rotates freely with only slight drag.
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat all brake shoe replacement steps (steps 1-12) for the opposite rear wheel. Work carefully and reference your photos or the completed side. Ensure both sides have identical spring and hardware configuration.
14. 14

    Install wheels and torque lug nuts
    Install both rear wheels onto the hubs. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Lower vehicle until wheels just touch the ground but suspension is not loaded. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts103 Nm (76 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Adjust brakes and test parking brake
    Pump the brake pedal slowly 10-15 times until it feels firm - this centers the shoes in the drums. Test that brake pedal feels firm and is not excessively low. Apply and release the parking brake several times to verify proper operation. Drive vehicle forward and backward at low speed in a safe area, applying brakes gently to verify operation. Perform 15-20 gentle brake applications from 15-20 mph to seat the new shoes before normal driving.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps
2. Ensure all springs and hardware are installed exactly as original configuration
3. Verify parking brake cable is properly connected and operates smoothly
4. Confirm both rear drums rotate freely with only slight drag from properly adjusted shoes

Verification

• Pump brake pedal 10-15 times - pedal should feel firm and maintain position, not sink to floor
• Verify parking brake holds vehicle on an incline and releases fully
• Test drive in safe area at low speeds - brakes should apply smoothly without pulling to one side
• Check for abnormal noises (grinding, squealing beyond normal new brake break-in)
• Perform final lug nut torque check after 50 miles of driving
• New drum brakes require 200-300 miles of break-in period for optimal performance - avoid hard braking during this time
• If brake pedal feels soft, brake warning light illuminates, or brakes pull to one side, stop driving immediately and seek professional service

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