This procedure covers the replacement of the rear wheel cylinder on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 engine, including drum brake disassembly, wheel cylinder removal and installation, and brake system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel cylinder × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake hardware kit (if springs/clips are damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Copper crush washers for brake line (if applicable) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake firmly
2. Chock the front wheels securely
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 manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Release parking brake to allow drum removal
7. Clean area around brake drum and backing plate with brake parts cleaner
8. Have fresh DOT 3 brake fluid and catch container ready

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the brake drum by pulling it straight off the hub. If drum is seized due to rust or parking brake adjustment, use a brake drum puller or tap gently around the perimeter with a rubber mallet. Some drums have access holes for backing off the adjuster star wheel - rotate the adjuster wheel to retract brake shoes if necessary.
2. 2

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

   Remove brake shoe return springs
   Using the brake spring tool, carefully remove the upper and lower return springs from the brake shoes. Work slowly to avoid spring injury. Remove the hold-down springs and pins securing the shoes to the backing plate. Keep all hardware organized.
   ⚠Brake return springs are under high tension and can cause injury if released suddenly. Use proper brake spring tools and wear eye protection.
4. 4

   Disconnect parking brake cable
   Disconnect the parking brake cable from the parking brake lever on the rear brake shoe. Remove the brake shoes and adjuster assembly as a unit, then separate the adjuster mechanism from the shoes.
5. 5

   Prepare for wheel cylinder removal
   Place a drain pan beneath the wheel cylinder area. Clean around the brake line connection on the wheel cylinder with brake parts cleaner to prevent contamination. Have shop towels ready to catch brake fluid.
6. 6

   Disconnect brake line from wheel cylinder
   Using an 8mm or 10mm flare nut wrench (size varies by model year), carefully loosen and disconnect the brake line from the wheel cylinder. Be careful not to round off the fitting. Immediately plug the brake line with a rubber cap or wrap with plastic to minimize fluid loss and contamination. Allow fluid to drain into catch container.
   ⚠Use a flare nut wrench, not a standard wrench, to prevent rounding off the brake line fitting. Rounded fittings may require brake line replacement.
7. 7

   Remove wheel cylinder mounting bolts
   Remove the two mounting bolts (typically 10mm or 12mm) securing the wheel cylinder to the backing plate from the rear side. The wheel cylinder should now lift away from the backing plate. If stuck, gently tap with a plastic mallet.
8. 8

   Clean backing plate and inspect components
   Clean the backing plate surface where the wheel cylinder mounts using brake parts cleaner and a wire brush. Inspect the backing plate for cracks or damage. Check brake shoes for excessive wear, oil contamination, or damage. Inspect all springs and hardware for wear or deformation. Replace brake hardware kit if any components are questionable.
9. 9

   Install new wheel cylinder
   Position the new wheel cylinder on the backing plate, aligning the mounting holes. Install and hand-tighten the mounting bolts from the rear side. Torque the mounting bolts to specification. Ensure the wheel cylinder is seated flush against the backing plate.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect brake line to wheel cylinder
    If equipped with copper crush washers, install new washers on both sides of the brake line fitting. Thread the brake line into the wheel cylinder by hand to start, ensuring it is not cross-threaded. Tighten the brake line fitting finger-tight, then use the flare nut wrench to snug firmly. Do not overtighten as this can damage the fitting or brake line.
11. 11

    Reassemble brake shoes and hardware
    Lubricate the brake shoe contact points on the backing plate with high-temperature brake grease (small amount only). Reassemble the brake shoes with adjuster mechanism, consulting your reference photos. Reconnect the parking brake cable. Install all hold-down pins and springs, then install the return springs using the brake spring tool. Verify all components match your reference photos.
12. 12

    Reinstall brake drum and wheel
    Clean the hub surface and inside of the brake drum with brake parts cleaner. Install the brake drum, ensuring it seats properly. Install the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle until tire just touches ground, then torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

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

    Bleed brake system
    Fill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Attach clear bleeding tube to the bleeder screw on the wheel cylinder and submerge other end in a container with brake fluid. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw to allow fluid and air to escape, then close before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in the fluid. Torque bleeder screw to specification. Do not overtighten. Check and refill master cylinder reservoir as needed throughout bleeding process.
    ⚠Monitor brake fluid reservoir constantly during bleeding. Never let it run dry or air will enter the master cylinder requiring complete system bleeding.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Adjust parking brake
    With drum installed, adjust the brake shoe-to-drum clearance using the adjuster mechanism access hole (if equipped) or by removing drum and manually adjusting. The drum should rotate with slight drag when parking brake is released. Apply and release parking brake several times to seat shoes. Verify parking brake holds vehicle on an incline.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all brake hardware is properly installed and secured per factory configuration
2. Verify brake line connection is tight and not leaking
3. Confirm brake drum rotates freely with only slight drag from shoes
4. Double-check wheel lug nuts are torqued in star pattern to specification
5. If both rear wheel cylinders were replaced, bleed the opposite side using the same procedure

Verification

• Check brake fluid reservoir level and top off to MAX line with DOT 3 fluid
• Pump brake pedal several times - pedal should feel firm and not sink to floor
• Start engine and verify brake pedal remains firm with power assist active
• Test parking brake holds vehicle securely on an incline
• Perform low-speed brake test in safe area to verify proper braking function
• Inspect for any brake fluid leaks around wheel cylinder and brake line connection
• Road test vehicle at various speeds, checking for proper brake response, no pulling to one side, and firm pedal feel
• Re-check brake fluid level after test drive and top off if needed

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