Brake Shoe: Service and Repair

REMOVAL

1. Raise and support vehicle.
2. Remove rear wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove brake drum. If brake lining is dragging on brake drum, remove access plug from backing plate and back off brake adjustment by rotating adjustment screw.
4. Install suitable wheel cylinder clamp over ends of wheel cylinder to retain pistons in bore.

Fig. 1 Removing Upper & Lower Return Springs:

5. Remove upper and lower return springs, using suitable brake spring pliers.
6. Remove adjuster lever, then the parking brake cable from parking brake lever.

Fig. 2 Removing Primary Shoe, Hold-down Spring & Self-adjusting Lever:

7. Using suitable tool, compress and remove rear hold-down spring (F), then remove self-adjusting screw (G) and primary brake shoe (H).

Fig. 3 Removing Secondary Shoe & Hold-down Spring:

8. Remove front hold-down spring (J), then the secondary brake shoe (K).

Fig. 4 Separating Park Brake Lever From Primary Shoe:

9. Using snap ring pliers, remove clip from pivot pin on primary shoe, then separate park brake lever from shoe.
10. Clean dirt from backing plate, brake drum and hardware.

INSPECTION

1. Inspect components for damage and unusual wear. Replace as necessary.
2. Inspect wheel cylinders. Boots which are torn, cut, or heat damaged indicate need for wheel cylinder replacement. Fluid spilling from boot center hole, or wetness around wheel cylinder ends indicates cup leakage and need for wheel cylinder replacement. A small amount of fluid is always present and is considered normal, acting as a lubricant for the cylinder pistons.
3. Inspect backing plate for evidence of seal leakage. If leakage exists, refer to individual car chapters for axle seal replacement procedure.
4. Inspect backing plate attaching bolts and ensure they are tight.
5. Check adjuster screw operation. If satisfactory, lightly lubricate adjusting screw and washer with suitable brake lube. If operation is unsatisfactory, replace.
6. Using fine emery cloth or other suitable abrasive, clean rust and dirt from shoe contact surfaces on backing plate. Apply brake lube to contact surfaces and to park brake lever pivot pin.

INSTALLATION

1. Install park brake lever on primary brake shoe, compressing clip around pivot pin.
2. Using brake spring pliers, install park brake cable to park brake lever.
3. Install primary brake shoe, hold-down spring and self-adjusting screw.

Fig. 5 Self-adjusting Screw Notch Locations:

4. Install secondary brake shoe and hold-down spring. Ensure shoe is installed into larger (A) of two notches in adjuster lever.

Fig. 6 Installing Adjuster Lever:

5. Remove wheel cylinder clamp, then install adjuster lever (U) to pin (W), and into self-adjusting screw. Ensure lever is installed into smaller (B) of two notches in adjuster lever.
6. Install upper and lower return springs.
7. Ensure brake shoes are centered on backing plate.
8. Install brake drum, wheel and tire assembly.
9. If any hydraulic brake connections have been opened, bleed brake system.
10. Adjust parking brake.
11. Inspect all hydraulic lines and connections for leakage and repair as necessary.
12. Check master cylinder fluid level and replenish as necessary.
13. Check brake pedal for proper feel and return.
14. Lower vehicle and road test. Do not severely apply brakes immediately after installation of new brake linings or permanent damage may occur to linings, and/or brake drums may become scored. Brakes must be used moderately during first several hundred miles of operation to ensure proper burnishing of linings.