Parking Brake Shoes

Replace the parking brake shoes on the rear disc brakes of a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 2.5L FWD, which uses a drum-in-hat style parking brake system integrated into the rear disc brake rotors.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Parking brake shoe kit (includes shoes, springs, and hardware) × 1 — Use OEM Toyota specification or equivalent
• High-temperature brake grease × 1 — Use brake-specific ceramic or synthetic grease

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level, paved surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
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 at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
6. Verify vehicle stability before working underneath

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear brake caliper and bracket
   Remove the two caliper mounting bolts using a 14mm socket. Support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord - do NOT let it hang by the brake hose. Remove the two caliper bracket bolts using a 17mm socket and remove the bracket completely. Set bracket aside.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)

   Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the rotor from the hub. If rotor is stuck, thread two 8mm bolts into the threaded holes on the rotor face to push it off the hub, or tap gently with a rubber mallet from behind. The parking brake drum is integrated into the back of this rotor.
   ⚠Do not strike rotor on braking surface. If rotor is severely corroded to hub, apply penetrating oil and wait before attempting removal.
3. 3

   Release parking brake cable tension
   Inside the vehicle, fully release the parking brake lever or pedal. At the rear of the backing plate, locate the parking brake cable where it connects to the actuating lever. Note the cable routing and connection point. You may need to compress the cable spring or remove a retaining clip to gain slack.
   ℹ️Take a photo of cable connection for reassembly reference.
4. 4

   Remove shoe hold-down springs
   Locate the two hold-down spring assemblies - one on each shoe. Using brake spring pliers, press down on the spring retainer cup while rotating 90 degrees to align the slot with the pin behind the backing plate. Remove the cup, spring, and pin from both shoes. Keep hardware organized by side.
   ⚠Hold-down springs are under tension. Control the spring retainer to prevent it from launching when released.
   Torque spec

   Hold-Down Springs8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, remove the upper return spring connecting the tops of both shoes. Then remove the lower return spring. Note the position and orientation of each spring - upper spring is typically larger. Remove the adjuster spring connecting the adjuster lever to the trailing shoe.
   ⚠Return springs are under significant tension. Use proper brake spring pliers and control spring removal to prevent injury.
6. 6

   Remove parking brake strut and adjuster
   Remove the adjuster strut (the bar connecting the two shoes at the bottom) and the star wheel adjuster assembly. Separate the shoes slightly and remove the automatic adjuster lever and spring. Note how the adjuster lever engages with the star wheel for reassembly.
   ℹ️The adjuster assembly has left and right specific versions. Note the star wheel thread direction for your side of vehicle.
7. 7

   Disconnect parking brake cable and remove shoes
   Disconnect the parking brake cable from the actuating lever on the rear (trailing) shoe. Remove both shoes from the backing plate. Remove the parking brake actuating lever from the old trailing shoe by removing the C-clip or horseshoe clip and pin.
   ℹ️The actuating lever must be transferred to the new trailing shoe. Note its orientation before removal.
8. 8

   Clean backing plate and inspect components
   Spray backing plate with brake cleaner and wipe thoroughly with shop towels. Use wire brush to clean shoe contact pads on backing plate. Inspect backing plate for cracks, damage, or excessive rust. Inspect wheel cylinder for fluid leaks - if leaking, wheel cylinder must be replaced before proceeding. Clean the adjuster star wheel assembly with brake cleaner and verify it rotates freely.
   ⚠Use brake cleaner in well-ventilated area. Dispose of contaminated towels properly per local regulations.
9. 9

   Lubricate backing plate contact points
   Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to the six shoe contact pads on the backing plate (three on each side where shoe rim rests). Also apply grease to the threads and contact points of the adjuster star wheel assembly. Do NOT get grease on shoe friction material or drum surface.
   ⚠Use only high-temperature brake-specific grease. Use sparingly - excess grease can contaminate friction surfaces.
10. 10

    Install actuating lever on new trailing shoe
    Transfer the parking brake actuating lever to the new trailing shoe using the pin and new C-clip or horseshoe clip from the kit. Ensure lever pivots freely and clip is fully seated.
    ℹ️Verify correct orientation - lever should point toward the rear of the vehicle when shoe is installed.
11. 11

    Install new shoes and connect parking brake cable
    Connect the parking brake cable to the actuating lever on the trailing shoe. Position both new shoes on the backing plate. Install the adjuster lever and spring on the leading shoe. Install the adjuster strut between the shoes at the bottom, ensuring the star wheel adjuster is positioned correctly.
    ℹ️Leading shoe (front) is typically shorter than trailing shoe (rear). Verify correct shoe positioning.
12. 12

    Install return springs
    Install the lower return spring between the bottom of both shoes using brake spring pliers. Install the upper return spring at the top of both shoes. Install the adjuster spring connecting the adjuster lever to the trailing shoe. Verify all springs are properly seated in their holes.
    ⚠Ensure springs are fully seated. A partially seated spring can release suddenly or fail during operation.
13. 13

    Install hold-down springs
    Install hold-down spring assemblies on both shoes. From behind the backing plate, insert the pin through the shoe and backing plate. Place the spring over the pin, then the retainer cup. Press down on the cup while rotating 90 degrees to lock in place. Verify both assemblies are secure.
    Torque spec

    Hold-Down Springs8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Adjust parking brake shoes
    Rotate the star wheel adjuster to expand the shoes until they are close to their maximum diameter (you should feel resistance). Then back off the star wheel approximately 8-10 clicks so the rotor/drum will fit over the shoes. The rotor should install with slight drag.
    ℹ️Initial adjustment is approximate. Final adjustment occurs after rotor installation and parking brake cycling.
    Torque spec

    Adjuster Lock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install rotor and verify shoe clearance
    Clean the rotor drum surface with brake cleaner. Carefully install the rotor over the parking brake shoes. The rotor should slide on with slight resistance. If rotor will not fit, back off star wheel adjuster further. Rotate rotor to verify even contact - you should feel slight, consistent drag.
    ⚠Do not force rotor over shoes. Excessive force indicates shoes are adjusted too tight and can damage components.
16. 16

    Reinstall caliper bracket and caliper
    Reinstall the caliper bracket to the steering knuckle and torque bracket bolts to specification using a 17mm socket. Before reinstalling caliper, use a C-clamp to compress the caliper piston fully into its bore. Position caliper over rotor and bracket, then install and torque caliper mounting bolts to specification using a 14mm socket.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)

    Caliper Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Install wheel and repeat for opposite side
    Install wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Repeat entire procedure for the opposite rear wheel. After both sides are complete, lower vehicle until tires just touch ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
18. 18

    Perform final parking brake adjustment
    With vehicle on ground, pump the brake pedal 10-15 times to seat the brake pads. Apply and release the parking brake 5-10 times to allow automatic adjusters to set proper shoe clearance. On final application, parking brake should hold vehicle with lever/pedal travel within normal range (typically 4-6 clicks for lever or 40-60mm pedal travel).
    ℹ️If parking brake lever/pedal travel is excessive after adjustment cycling, shoes may need manual readjustment via star wheel.

Reassembly

1. Installation is covered in the main procedure steps
2. Ensure all springs are properly seated and hardware is secure before installing rotors
3. Verify parking brake cable is correctly routed and connected
4. Double-check that all torque specifications have been met

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground and engine running, verify service brakes function normally with firm pedal feel
• Engage parking brake and verify it holds vehicle securely on a slight incline - vehicle should not roll
• Verify parking brake lever/pedal travel is within specification (4-6 clicks or 40-60mm)
• Release parking brake and verify brake warning light on dash extinguishes completely
• Test drive in a safe area at low speed to verify no brake drag or unusual noises
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check parking brake adjustment as shoes will seat further during break-in period
• If any abnormal operation is detected, do NOT drive vehicle - seek professional assistance immediately

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