🔧 Rear Brake Shoes - Replacement

Your Corolla L does not use rear brake pads in stock form. It uses rear drum brakes with brake shoes, so the correct repair is rear brake shoe replacement. This job involves opening the drum assembly, removing the shoes and hardware, and setting the drum brakes back up correctly.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Use jack stands. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Do not blow it out with compressed air.
• Keep the parking brake released before removing the drums.
• If the rear drums are stuck, use the threaded drum removal holes if equipped.
• 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
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm lug wrench or socket
• Ratchet
• Brake spoon or flathead screwdriver
• Brake spring tool (specialty)
• Pliers
• Torque wrench
• Brake cleaner
• Shop towels
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile 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 hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Rear wheel cylinder - Qty: 2, replace in pairs if leaking or seized
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 2 cans
• High-temperature brake grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake only after the vehicle is secured for service. Release it before drum removal.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts before lifting the car.
• Lift the rear and support both sides with jack stands.
• Take a photo of the brake shoe layout before disassembly. It helps a lot during reassembly.
• One side at a time keeps things clearer.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the rear

• Use a floor jack to lift the rear of your Corolla at the proper lift point.
• Place jack stands under the rear support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Remove both rear wheels using a 21mm lug wrench or socket.

Step 2: Remove the brake drum

• Release the parking brake fully.
• Pull the drum straight off by hand.
• If it sticks, use a brake spoon or flathead screwdriver through the adjuster access slot to back off the star wheel.
• If your drum has threaded removal holes, use bolts in those holes to push the drum off.
• Tap lightly if needed.

Step 3: Inspect the brake assembly

• Use safety glasses and inspect the shoes, springs, adjuster, and wheel cylinder.
• If the wheel cylinder is wet or leaking, replace it now using a ratchet and the correct line wrench if needed.
• Spray the area with brake cleaner and wipe with shop towels.

Step 4: Remove the old shoes and hardware

• Use brake spring tool (specialty) and pliers to remove the return springs, hold-down springs, and adjuster assembly.
• Remove the old shoes from the backing plate.
• Note the position of the parking brake lever and adjuster parts before removal.

Step 5: Install the new shoes and hardware

• Apply a thin film of high-temperature brake grease to the shoe contact pads on the backing plate.
• Install the new shoes in the same orientation as the originals.
• Transfer the parking brake lever if required.
• Install the new springs and adjuster from the rear brake hardware kit using the brake spring tool (specialty).
• Make sure the adjuster threads are clean and lightly lubricated.
• Compare both sides before closing the drum.

Step 6: Set the shoe adjustment

• Use the brake spoon or flathead screwdriver to turn the star wheel until the shoes lightly contact the drum.
• Back off slightly until the drum turns with a small, even drag.
• Install the drum and check that it spins without binding.

Step 7: Reinstall the wheels

• Reinstall the rear wheels.
• Use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs).
• Lower the car fully off the jack stands.

Step 8: Set the parking brake and seat the shoes

• Press and release the brake pedal several times.
• Apply and release the parking brake several times to center the shoes.
• Recheck the drum rotation and adjust if needed.

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✅ After Repair

• Test the brake pedal for firmness before driving.
• Check both rear drums for dragging or unusual noise.
• Road test at low speed first.
• Recheck lug nut torque after 25-50 miles.
• Slight brake smell is normal at first.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$180 (parts only)

You Save: $190-$320 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 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.