To replace the rear brake shoes, follow these steps. First, loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands. Block the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Release the parking brake and remove the wheel. It's essential to replace all four rear brake shoes simultaneously, but work on one brake assembly at a time to avoid mixing up parts. Remove the brake drum; if it's difficult to remove, retract the brake shoes using a screwdriver through the backing plate's rubber plug. Remove the primary and secondary return springs, unhook the adjusting cable eye from the anchor pin, and proceed to remove the shoe guide and the shoe retaining springs and pins. Separate the shoes, extract the adjusting screw and star wheel, and remove the primary shoe and parking brake strut and spring assembly. Remove the adjusting lever and the secondary shoe from the backing plate. Separate the parking brake cable and spring from the actuating lever, and replace the parking brake lever with a new E-clip. Disassemble, clean, and lubricate the adjusting screw and wheel assembly, and apply high-temperature grease to the shoe guide pads, wheel cylinder ends, and anchor pin. Install the shoes, wheel cylinder assembly, and parking brake link, ensuring the correct engagement of slots. Install the hold-down springs and adjust the brake shoes so that the drum slips over them, then adjust them to drag slightly as the drum is turned and back off the adjustment a few clicks. Before reinstalling the drum, check for any issues, such as cracks or hard spots, and have it turned by a professional if needed. Mount the wheel, lower the vehicle, and adjust the brakes until satisfactory pedal action is achieved.
Posted by FordPartsGiant Specialist