🔧 Rear Brakes - Drum Brake Service

Your Prius C does not use rear rotors. The rear axle uses drum brakes, so the correct service is rear shoe replacement and drum inspection/service. If the drums are worn or out of spec, replace them as needed along with the shoes and hardware.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Use jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• The parking brake must be fully released before removing the drums.
• Brake dust may be present; wear a mask and do not blow dust with compressed air.
• Use brake cleaner only on brake parts, not on rubber seals or wheel bearings.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Brake spring tool (specialty)
• Brake hold-down spring tool (specialty)
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Rubber mallet
• Brake cleaner
• Wire brush
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic 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 set
• Rear brake drums - Qty: 2 if worn or out of spec
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 2 cans

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a flat surface and set the parking brake firmly before lifting.
• Break the rear wheel nuts loose before raising the car.
• Release the parking brake completely before removing the drums.
• If the drums are stuck, plan to use a rubber mallet and the threaded extraction holes if equipped.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the rear of the car

• Use a 21mm socket and ratchet to loosen the rear wheel nuts slightly.
• Lift the rear with a floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum).
• Support it with jack stands (rated for vehicle weight).
• Place wheel chocks at the front tires.

Step 2: Remove the wheels

• Remove the wheel nuts with the 21mm socket and ratchet.
• Set the wheels aside flat on the ground.

Step 3: Remove the brake drums

• Make sure the parking brake is fully released.
• Pull the drum straight off by hand.
• If stuck, tap around the drum face with a rubber mallet.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver through the access slot, if needed, to back off the adjuster.

Step 4: Inspect the shoes and hardware

• Check the shoes for lining thickness, cracking, oil contamination, or uneven wear.
• Inspect the springs, adjuster, and hold-down hardware for rust or damage.
• Clean the backing plate and inside of the drum with brake cleaner.
• Use a wire brush to remove rust from contact points.

Step 5: Remove the old brake shoes and hardware

• Use brake spring tool (specialty) to remove the return springs.
• Use brake hold-down spring tool (specialty) to remove the shoe retainers.
• Remove the adjuster assembly and parking brake lever from the old shoe set.
• Take a photo first.

Step 6: Install the new shoes and hardware

• Transfer the parking brake lever to the new shoe if required.
• Install the new shoes in the same layout as the originals.
• Use the brake spring tool (specialty) to install the springs.
• Install the new hardware kit and adjuster.
• Apply a small amount of brake grease to the shoe contact pads on the backing plate.

Step 7: Reinstall the drums and wheels

• Slide the drum back over the shoes.
• If the drum will not fit, back off the adjuster slightly with a flat-blade screwdriver.
• Install the wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle and tighten the wheel nuts with a torque wrench to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Pump the brake pedal several times before moving the car.
• Check parking brake operation and pedal feel.
• Test drive slowly and listen for scraping or dragging.
• If the rear brakes drag, recheck shoe adjustment.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $300-$700 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $210-$480 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.