🔧 Rear Brake Shoes - Rear Brake Service

Your Corolla does not use rear rotors from the factory. The rear axle uses drum brakes, so the correct job is rear brake shoe replacement, and the drum surface should be inspected for wear or scoring. If the drums are worn beyond spec, replace the rear drums at the same time.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Park on level ground and chock the front wheels.
• Use jack stands. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask if possible.
• Do not blow brake dust with compressed air.
• If the parking brake is stuck on, do not force the drum off.
• 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 vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm lug socket
• Breaker bar
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Brake spring tool (specialty)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Slip-joint pliers
• Brake cleaner
• Wire brush
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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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 brake drums - Qty: 2 if worn or scored
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can

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📋 Before You Begin

• Put the transmission in neutral only when instructed and keep the parking brake released while removing the drum.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts before lifting the car.
• Work on one side at a time so you can compare the assembled side if needed.
• Rear drum brakes use springs under tension. Take your time.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the rear of the car

• Use the 21mm lug socket and breaker bar to loosen both rear lug nuts slightly.
• Use the floor jack to lift the rear of the car at the proper rear jacking point.
• Set the car on jack stands and place wheel chocks at the front wheels.

Step 2: Remove the wheel

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

Step 3: Remove the brake drum

• Try pulling the drum straight off by hand.
• If it is stuck, use a flat-blade screwdriver to back off the shoe adjuster through the access slot.
• Tap evenly, not hard. If needed, tap around the drum face with a soft mallet.
• Remove the drum and inspect it for grooves, heat spots, or deep ridges.

Step 4: Inspect the brake assembly

• Use a flashlight and inspect the shoes, springs, adjuster, and wheel cylinder.
• If you see wet brake lining or fluid, the wheel cylinder is leaking and should be replaced before driving.
• Use brake cleaner to clean the backing plate and nearby hardware.

Step 5: Remove the old shoes and hardware

• Use the brake spring tool and needle-nose pliers to remove the hold-down springs, return springs, and adjuster assembly.
• Remove the parking brake lever from the trailing shoe if equipped on that shoe.
• Keep the parts laid out in order so reassembly is easier.

Step 6: Install the new shoes and hardware

• Use the needle-nose pliers to transfer the parking brake lever to the new shoe if required.
• Install the new shoes onto the backing plate with the new hardware kit.
• Use the brake spring tool to install the return springs and hold-down springs.
• Install the adjuster assembly in the same orientation as the original parts.
• Match the opposite side exactly.

Step 7: Set the adjuster

• Use a flat-blade screwdriver to turn the adjuster until the shoes lightly contact the drum.
• The drum should slide on with slight drag, not bind.

Step 8: Reinstall the drum and wheel

• Install the drum over the shoes.
• If the drum will not fit, back off the adjuster slightly with the flat-blade screwdriver.
• Reinstall the wheel and hand-start the lug nuts.
• Lower the car and use the torque wrench with the 21mm lug socket to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat the same repair on the opposite rear wheel.
• Replace brake shoes in pairs and replace drums in pairs if needed.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before moving the car.
• Check that the parking brake holds the car on a slight incline.
• Test drive slowly and listen for scraping or clicking.
• If the pedal feels soft, inspect the rear brake assembly again before driving farther.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

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

You Save: $160-$280 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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