🔧 Rear Brake Shoes - Replacement

Your Tacoma does not use rear brake pads. It uses rear drum brakes, so the correct repair is replacing the rear brake shoes and inspecting the drum hardware. This is a good time to renew the springs and adjust the parking brake if needed.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Use jack stands. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves. Brake dust can irritate eyes and skin.
• Do not breathe brake dust. Use brake cleaner instead of compressed air.
• Chock the front wheels and set the parking brake before lifting, then release the parking brake once the rear wheels are off.
• Rear drum springs are under tension. Keep fingers clear when removing or installing them.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for truck weight)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Brake spring tool (specialty)
• Brake shoe hold-down tool (specialty)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Brake cleaner
• Catch pan
• 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 set
• Rear brake hardware kit - Qty: 1 set
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can
• High-temperature brake grease - Qty: 1 tube
• Rear wheel cylinder - Qty: 2 if leaking
• Rear brake drum - Qty: 2 if worn or scored

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground.
• Put the transmission in neutral, then set the parking brake before lifting.
• Chock the front wheels firmly.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• Release the parking brake after the rear wheels are safely off the ground.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and remove the rear wheels

• Use the floor jack to raise the rear of your Tacoma at the approved lift point.
• Support the truck with jack stands.
• Use the 21mm socket and ratchet to remove the lug nuts.
• Remove both rear wheels.

Step 2: Remove the brake drum

• If the drum is stuck, use a flat blade screwdriver to back off the adjuster through the access slot.
• Pull the drum straight off.
• If needed, tap lightly around the drum face with a rubber mallet.
• Do not force it sideways.

Step 3: Inspect the brake assembly

• Use brake cleaner to clean the dust and inspect the shoes, springs, adjuster, and wheel cylinder.
• Look for brake fluid wetness at the wheel cylinder.
• If the wheel cylinder leaks, replace it before reassembly.

Step 4: Remove the old brake shoes and hardware

• Use the brake spring tool and needle-nose pliers to remove the return springs.
• Use the brake shoe hold-down tool to remove the hold-down pins and springs.
• Remove the adjuster assembly and both shoes.
• Keep track of the parts layout on the left and right sides.

Step 5: Install the new brake shoes and hardware

• Apply a thin film of high-temperature brake grease to the shoe contact points on the backing plate.
• Install the new shoes in the same orientation as the old ones.
• Use the brake shoe hold-down tool to install the hold-down hardware.
• Install the adjuster assembly and return springs with the brake spring tool.
• Match the left and right parts carefully.

Step 6: Adjust the shoes

• Use the flat blade screwdriver to expand the adjuster until the drum just fits over the shoes with a light drag.
• Spin the drum by hand to confirm it turns without binding.
• Repeat on the other side.

Step 7: Reinstall the drums and wheels

• Install the brake drums.
• Reinstall the rear wheels by hand-tightening the lug nuts first.
• Lower the truck with the floor jack.
• Use the torque wrench and 21mm socket to torque the lug nuts to 113 Nm (83 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Final brake adjustment

• Pump the brake pedal several times to center the shoes.
• Set and release the parking brake a few times.
• If the pedal feels low or the parking brake travel is excessive, readjust the shoes.

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✅ After Repair

• Check that both rear wheels spin freely with the brakes released.
• Test the brake pedal feel before driving.
• Perform a slow-speed test drive in a safe area.
• Listen for scraping, clicking, or dragging sounds.
• Recheck lug nut torque after 25-50 miles.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$700 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $90-$220 (parts only)

You Save: $260-$480 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?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.