🔧 Rear Brake Shoes & Drums - Replacement

Your Tacoma does not use rear rotors from the factory. The rear axle uses drum brakes, so the correct service is rear brake shoe and drum replacement or inspection. This job involves removing the wheel, drum, and brake hardware, then adjusting and reassembling everything cleanly.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Use jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Do not blow it out with compressed air.
• Keep brake cleaner off rubber parts and painted surfaces.
• Release the parking brake before removing the drum.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 21mm lug wrench or socket
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for truck weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Brake spring tool (specialty)
• Brake shoe hold-down spring tool (specialty)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Hammer
• Brake cleaner
• Torque wrench
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake shoe set - Qty: 1
• Rear brake drum - Qty: 2
• Rear brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Rear wheel cylinder - Qty: 2
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground.
• Set the parking brake only after the truck is safely lifted if needed for testing later.
• Break the rear lug nuts loose before raising the truck.
• If the drum is stuck, back off the adjuster through the access slot before forcing it off.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the rear wheels

• Use a 21mm lug wrench or socket to loosen both rear wheel lug nuts before lifting the truck.
• Do not remove them yet.

Step 2: Lift and support the rear

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the rear axle or frame safely.
• Place the truck on jack stands (rated for truck weight).
• Leave the floor jack lightly supporting the truck as a backup.

Step 3: Remove the wheel

• Use the 21mm lug wrench or socket to remove the lug nuts.
• Remove the rear wheel and set it aside flat.

Step 4: Remove the brake drum

• Make sure the parking brake is fully released.
• If the drum sticks, tap it evenly with a hammer.
• If needed, use a flat-blade screwdriver through the adjuster access slot to back off the shoes.
• Pull the drum straight off.

Step 5: Inspect the brake assembly

• Check the shoes, springs, wheel cylinder, and backing plate for wetness, cracks, or heavy wear.
• If the wheel cylinder is leaking, replace it now.
• Clean the assembly with brake cleaner.

Step 6: Remove the brake shoes and hardware

• Use needle-nose pliers and a brake spring tool (specialty) to remove the return springs.
• Use a brake shoe hold-down spring tool (specialty) to remove the hold-down pins and springs.
• Remove the old shoes and adjuster assembly.
• Take a quick photo first.

Step 7: Transfer or install the new hardware

• Install the new hardware kit parts using needle-nose pliers and the brake spring tool (specialty).
• Make sure the self-adjuster is assembled the same way it came off.
• Lubricate only the shoe contact pads on the backing plate with a tiny amount of brake grease if available.

Step 8: Install the new brake shoes

• Position the new shoes on the backing plate.
• Use the brake shoe hold-down spring tool (specialty) to secure the shoes.
• Install the return springs with needle-nose pliers and the brake spring tool (specialty).
• Adjust the star wheel so the shoes lightly contact the drum.

Step 9: Reinstall the drum

• Slide the drum on by hand.
• If it will not fit, back off the adjuster a little more using the flat-blade screwdriver.
• The drum should spin with a slight drag.

Step 10: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on.
• Hand-tighten the lug nuts first.
• Lower the truck and torque the lug nuts to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs) using a torque wrench.

Step 11: Set the final brake adjustment

• Press the brake pedal several times to center the shoes.
• Apply and release the parking brake a few times.
• If needed, fine-tune the star wheel through the access slot until the drum has light drag.

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✅ After Repair

• Test the brake pedal before driving.
• Check that the parking brake holds the truck.
• Drive slowly at first and listen for scraping or pulling.
• Recheck lug nut torque after 25-50 miles.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $300-$700 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$280 (parts only)

You Save: $180-$420 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-3 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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