🔧 Rear Drum Brakes - Shoe and Drum Replacement

Your Tacoma uses rear drum brakes, not rear rotors. That means the rear brake service is done by replacing the brake shoes and inspecting or replacing the drums, wheel cylinders, springs, and adjusters as needed. This is a good beginner job if you take your time and keep the parts organized.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Use jack stands under the frame. Never rely on the floor jack alone.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Do not blow it off with compressed air.
• If the parking brake is set or the rear wheels are hard to turn, release it before starting.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a drum removed unless the shoes are secured.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves.

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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
• 14mm socket
• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Flathead screwdriver
• Brake spring tool (specialty)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Rubber mallet
• Torque wrench
• Brake cleaner
• Wire brush
• Drain pan
• 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 drums - Qty: 2
• Rear brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Rear wheel cylinders - Qty: 2
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 2 cans
• High-temperature brake grease - Qty: 1 tube
• DOT 3 brake fluid - Qty: 1 bottle

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake only after the rear is fully assembled again.
• Chock the front wheels.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts before lifting the truck.
• If the brake drum is stuck, back off the adjuster through the access slot before forcing it off.
• If you replace wheel cylinders, plan to bleed the rear brakes after assembly.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift the rear of the truck

• Use the floor jack to raise the rear axle.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Remove the rear wheels with the 21mm lug wrench or socket.

Step 2: Remove the brake drum

• Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the rubber access plug from the backing plate if needed.
• Back off the adjuster with the flathead screwdriver if the drum will not slide off.
• Tap the drum gently with a rubber mallet and pull it straight off.
• Do not pry hard against the backing plate.

Step 3: Inspect the brake assembly

• Use a flashlight to check the shoes, springs, wheel cylinder, and adjuster.
• Look for leaking brake fluid at the wheel cylinder.
• If the drum has deep grooves or an out-of-round surface, replace it.

Step 4: Remove the old shoes and hardware

• Use needle-nose pliers and the brake spring tool to remove the return springs.
• Remove the hold-down hardware with the brake spring tool and needle-nose pliers.
• Lift off the brake shoes and keep track of the parking brake lever and adjuster pieces.
• Take a photo before disassembly.

Step 5: Replace the wheel cylinder if needed

• Use a 10mm socket to remove the wheel cylinder bolts.
• Disconnect the brake line carefully with a flare nut wrench if available.
• Install the new wheel cylinder and snug the line first by hand.
• Torque to 10-13 Nm (7-10 ft-lbs) for the wheel cylinder mounting bolts.

Step 6: Clean and prep the backing plate

• Use brake cleaner and a wire brush to clean rust and dust.
• Apply a small amount of high-temperature brake grease to the shoe contact pads on the backing plate.
• Do not grease the shoe lining or drum surface.

Step 7: Install the new shoes and hardware

• Use the brake spring tool and needle-nose pliers to install the new shoes, springs, and hold-down hardware.
• Make sure the parking brake lever and adjuster are installed in the same position as before.
• Install the adjuster with the correct left and right side orientation.
• Left and right parts are not always the same.

Step 8: Install the new drum

• Slide the new or cleaned drum onto the hub.
• If it does not fit, back off the adjuster slightly with the flathead screwdriver.
• Make sure the drum turns with only a light drag.

Step 9: Reassemble and torque the wheels

• Reinstall the wheels and snug the lug nuts with the 21mm lug wrench or socket.
• Lower the truck with the floor jack and remove the jack stands.
• Torque to 131 Nm (97 ft-lbs) for the lug nuts.

Step 10: Set the brake adjustment

• Use the brake pedal several times to center the shoes.
• Back up slowly and apply the brakes to let the self-adjuster work.
• If needed, fine-tune the adjuster through the backing plate slot with the flathead screwdriver.

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✅ After Repair

• Pump the brake pedal until it feels firm before moving the truck.
• Check for brake fluid leaks at both rear wheel cylinders.
• Test the parking brake on a safe, level surface.
• Drive slowly at first and listen for scraping or dragging.
• If the pedal feels soft, bleed the rear brakes.

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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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