🔧 Rear Brakes - Drum Brake Service

Your Versa does not use rear rotors from the factory. It uses rear drum brakes, so the correct service is rear shoes and drums, not pads and rotors. This job replaces the wear parts inside the rear drum assembly and restores braking feel if the shoes are worn or the drum is scored.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Brake dust can be harmful. Do not blow it out with compressed air.
• Use wheel chocks and support the car on jack stands. Do not rely on the jack alone.
• The parking brake must be fully released before removing the drum.
• If a drum is stuck, do not pry against the backing plate hard enough to bend it.
• Keep brake cleaner away from painted surfaces and rubber parts.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 21mm lug wrench
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Brake spring pliers (specialty)
• Brake shoe hold-down tool (specialty)
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Torque wrench
• Ratchet
• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 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
• Rear brake drum - Qty: 2
• Rear brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Rear wheel cylinder - Qty: 2
• 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.
• Chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Release the parking brake fully before pulling the drums.
• If one rear wheel is leaking brake fluid, replace the wheel cylinder on that side.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the rear lug nuts

• Use the 21mm lug wrench to crack the rear lug nuts loose before lifting the car.

Step 2: Lift and support the rear of the car

• Use the floor jack to lift the rear at a safe jacking point.
• Place the car on jack stands before working underneath or removing the wheels.
• Shake the car gently to confirm stability.

Step 3: Remove the wheel and drum

• Remove the lug nuts with the 21mm lug wrench and take off the wheel.
• If the drum is stuck, back off the adjuster through the access hole using a flat-blade screwdriver.
• Pull the drum straight off. If needed, tap lightly around the drum face with the flat-blade screwdriver handle.

Step 4: Inspect the brake assembly

• Check the shoes, springs, adjuster, wheel cylinder, and backing plate for leaks or damage.
• If brake fluid is wet inside the drum, replace the wheel cylinder on that side.
• Use needle-nose pliers and brake spring pliers to remove the springs and shoe hardware.

Step 5: Remove the old shoes and hardware

• Use the brake spring pliers and brake shoe hold-down tool to remove the return springs and hold-down pins.
• Remove the adjuster assembly and parking brake lever from the old shoe set with needle-nose pliers.
• Take a photo first. It helps during reassembly.

Step 6: Clean and prepare the backing plate

• Use brake cleaner to clean the backing plate and surrounding parts.
• Apply a thin film of high-temperature brake grease to the shoe contact points on the backing plate.

Step 7: Install the new wheel cylinder if needed

• Use the 10mm socket and ratchet to remove the wheel cylinder mounting bolts.
• Install the new wheel cylinder and tighten the bolts to Torque to 13 Nm (115 in-lbs).
• If a brake line is removed, reconnect it carefully and bleed the brakes after assembly.

Step 8: Install the new shoes and hardware

• Transfer the parking brake lever to the new shoe if required.
• Install the new shoes, springs, and adjuster using the brake spring pliers and brake shoe hold-down tool.
• Make sure the self-adjuster is installed in the same direction as the old one.
• Keep the left and right parts separate.

Step 9: Reinstall the drum

• Slide the drum on by hand. If it will not fit, back off the adjuster slightly with the flat-blade screwdriver.
• Install the wheel and snug the lug nuts with the 21mm lug wrench.
• Tighten the lug nuts to Torque to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs) with a torque wrench.

Step 10: Repeat on the other side

• Service the opposite rear drum assembly using the same tools and steps.
• Always replace shoes in pairs.

Step 11: Adjust and test the brakes

• Press the brake pedal several times to seat the shoes.
• If needed, make a final adjustment through the backing plate access hole with the flat-blade screwdriver.
• Make sure the rear wheels spin freely with only slight drag.

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✅ After Repair

• Test the brake pedal before driving.
• Check for brake fluid leaks at both rear wheel cylinders.
• Test the parking brake on a safe incline.
• Listen for scraping or dragging noises during the first drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

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

You Save: $230-$420 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?

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