🔧 Rear Brake Shoes - Replacement

Your Prius c does not use rear brake pads. The rear brakes are drum-style brakes, so the service here is rear brake shoe replacement. This includes the shoes and the small hardware that wears with them, then a final adjustment and road test.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Set the parking brake only when instructed; the rear drums must be removed with the brake released.
• Chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Support the vehicle with jack stands before working underneath.
• Do not breathe brake dust; use brake cleaner and avoid compressed air.
• Hybrid system can remain OFF for this job; no battery disconnect is required.

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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 socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Brake spring pliers (specialty)
• Brake hold-down spring tool (specialty)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Rubber mallet
• Brake cleaner
• 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 set
• Rear brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Rear brake drum - Qty: 2, if worn or scored
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and chock the front wheels.
• Release the parking brake before removing the rear drums.
• Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts before lifting the vehicle.
• Brake shoes are the friction parts inside the drum.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the rear

• Use the 21mm socket and ratchet to loosen the rear wheel lug nuts one turn each.
• Raise the rear of the vehicle with the floor jack.
• Place it securely on jack stands.
• Remove both rear wheels.

Step 2: Remove the brake drum

• Make sure the parking brake is fully released.
• Pull the drum straight off by hand.
• If it sticks, tap around the drum face with a rubber mallet.
• If needed, use a flat-head screwdriver through the backing plate access hole to back off the adjuster.

Step 3: Inspect and photograph the hardware

• Use your phone to take a clear photo of the shoe and spring layout.
• Inspect the wheel cylinder for wetness or leaks.
• Take a photo before removing springs.

Step 4: Remove the old shoes and hardware

• Use brake spring pliers and needle-nose pliers to remove the return springs.
• Use the brake hold-down spring tool to remove the shoe retainers.
• Remove the adjuster assembly and parking brake lever from the old shoes.
• Keep track of left and right parts orientation.

Step 5: Install the new shoes and hardware

• Transfer the parking brake lever and adjuster to the new shoes.
• Install the new shoes in the same orientation as the old ones.
• Use the brake spring pliers to install the return springs.
• Use the brake hold-down spring tool to secure the shoes to the backing plate.
• Install all new hardware from the kit.

Step 6: Set the adjuster

• Use the flat-head screwdriver to turn the star wheel adjuster until the shoes lightly contact the drum.
• The drum should slip on with a slight drag, not bind.
• Light drag is correct.

Step 7: Reinstall the drums and wheels

• Clean the drum and backing plate with brake cleaner.
• Reinstall the drum.
• Install the wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts with the torque wrench and 21mm socket to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Final brake adjustment

• Press the brake pedal several times to center the shoes.
• Set and release the parking brake several times.
• Test that the rear wheels rotate with only a slight drag.

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✅ After Repair

• Test the parking brake on a safe incline.
• Listen for scraping or rubbing noises on the road test.
• Recheck lug nut torque after the first drive.
• If braking feels uneven, readjust the rear shoes.

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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?

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.