How to Change the Rear Brake Shoes and Drums on a 2009-2015 Toyota Tacoma

Park on a level surface and chock the front wheels. Use a lug wrench or 19mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels. Use a jack and jack stands to lift and support the rear end of the truck, then remove the lug nuts and the rear wheels.

We’ll gain access to the fuel pump in our Camry by removing the bottom cushion of the back seat. Once you’ve found access to your fuel pump, use a pry tool or long flathead screwdriver to dislodge and remove the cover.

Use a screwdriver or a brake spring tool to remove the brake shoe return spring from the front brake shoe. Now you can use needle-nose pliers to fully remove the spring.

Using your needle-nose pliers, you can now remove the brake shoe hold-down spring cup, the shoe hold-down spring and retainer pin. Once that’s done, remove the parking brake shoe strut, the tension spring, and the front brake shoe.

With the brake shoe removed, detach the automatic brake adjust lever spring and adjustment lever.

Now on the rear brake shoe, use your brake spring tool to remove the brake shoe hold-down spring cup, hold-down spring, and retainer pin.

Use needle-nose pliers to disconnect the parking brake cable, and remove the rear brake shoe.

Once the rear shoe is off the vehicle, use a screwdriver to remove the two C-clips to release the parking brake shoe lever, reaction lever, and parking brake shoe strut. These will be transferred to your new rear brake shoe before reassembly.

Clean the entire work area with brake cleaner and wipe it down with a shop towel or rag to remove any brake dust.

Now is also a good opportunity to inspect the wheel cylinder for any signs of brake fluid leaks or damage to its rubber seals. If you see any signs of leaks or significant corrosion, it’s a good idea to replace the wheel cylinder as well.

Apply high-temperature grease to the surfaces the shoe will contact on the backing plate. You’ll also want to unscrew and grease the brake adjusting bolt.

Now on your rear brake shoe, install the parking brake shoe lever, parking brake shoe strut, and the new return spring.

You’ll then secure the strut, reaction lever, and parking brake shoe lever using needle-nose pliers and the new C-clips from your hardware kit. Use your needle-nose pliers to connect the parking brake cable to the parking brake shoe lever.

Install the rear brake shoe, ensuring it is properly aligned and seated, then use your brake spring tool or needle nose pliers to install the new pin, shoe hold-down spring, and shoe hold-down cup.

On the new front brake shoe, install the automatic adjusting lever and spring, and the parking brake shoe strut. Then, move the front brake shoe into alignment and use your brake spring tool or needle nose pliers to install the new retaining pin, shoe hold down spring, and shoe hold down spring cup.

Now you should be ready to install the tension spring that connects the front and rear brake shoes at the bottom with your needle nose pliers.

Then, use your pliers to install the lower return spring.

The upper return spring will require you to use your brake spring tool, or a screwdriver and needle nose pliers, to connect it to the front brake shoe.

Apply silicone grease to prevent future corrosion between the drum and the axle.

Most O’Reilly Auto Parts locations have the equipment to resurface brake drums, but will also measure the thickness of the contact surface to ensure that your drums can be safely resurfaced and reused. If not, our parts professionals can help you find the best replacement drums for your Tacoma.

Install your brake drum over the brake shoes. Temporarily install the lug nuts to hold the drum in place during your brake shoe adjustment.

Through the hole in the rear of the brake backing plate, use a flat blade screwdriver to turn the adjuster star wheel to expand the shoes outward until the drum is locked and can’t be turned by hand. Then, reverse the adjuster wheel 15 notches, and you should have an appropriate base setting for your new brake shoes. Be sure to install a new hole plug.

Reinstall your wheel and lug nuts. Tighten the nuts until the wheel is firmly secure.

Lower the rear of the vehicle, and remove the wheel chocks. Torque the lug nuts on your rear wheels in a star pattern to 83 foot-pounds.

Finally, make sure you pump your brakes a couple of times to ensure the wheel cylinders are making contact with the new shoes.