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REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Disassemble the brakes one wheel at a time. This will prevent parts confusion and also prevent the opposite wheel cylinder pistons from popping out during repair. While this work can be accomplished with common hand tools, there are several specialty brake tools available in automotive parts and retail stores which can make the job easier. The brake spring tool, in particular, is strongly recommended.

Fig. 1: Remove the wheel and pull the drum off of the lug studs

Fig. 2: If the drum is difficult to remove, lessen the adjuster tension and use two bolts mounted in the holes on the face of the drum to remove the drum

Fig. 3: Tighten the bolts to push the drum off of the lug studs — always tighten the bolts equally to prevent the drum from cocking to one side

Fig. 4: Once the drum is removed, the brake components can be seen and identified

Fig. 5: Clean the brake components with a brake cleaner before working on the system — this will help reduce the amount of brake dust in the air

Fig. 6: Using the brake tool, remove the shoe return spring from both brake shoes

Fig. 7: Using another special brake tool (available at most automotive stores), twist the spring retainer to unlock it from the brake shoe's hold-down pin

Fig. 8: After the pin has been loosened, remove the hold-down spring and the two metal retaining caps

Fig. 9: Remove one brake shoe and disconnect the shoe retainer spring from the bottom of both shoes

Fig. 10: Disconnect the parking brake cable from the shoe — this is easier when the shoe has been removed from the backing plate

Fig. 11: Remove the other brake shoe using the same method as the first — after removal, only the wheel cylinder and the parking brake cable will remain

Fig. 12: Disconnect the parking brake cable from the backing plate and pull out through the back

Fig. 13: Since the brake parts can easily be mixed up, lay them out on a flat surface in the positions from which they were removed

  1. Raise and safely support the vehicle on jackstands.
  2. Remove the rear brake drums as described above.
  3. Using brake spring pliers, disconnect the shoe retainer spring (the bottom spring connected to both brake shoes) and disconnect the shoe return spring (the spring which is wrapped around the adjuster) and brake shoe adjuster.
  4. Remove the shoe hold-down spring on either side by first depressing slightly and then twisting the retaining cap (there is a common brake tool that is designed to make this almost effortless). The pins can rotate in the backing plate, so reach around with one hand to keep the pin from spinning while twisting the retaining caps. The tangs on the retaining post must line up with the notches in the cap; release the cap in this way and then remove the cap, spring, and spring seat. Remove shoe retaining spring with the pliers.
  5. Remove the shoe, to which the parking brake cable is not attached.
  6. Remove the other shoe then disconnect the parking brake cable at the shoe. It's easier to disconnect the cable with the shoe removed from the backing plate, but can be done otherwise if you wish.
  7. If the parking brake cable is to be removed entirely, you can now remove the snapring at the backing plate and pull the end of the cable through.
  8. To install, first grease the surfaces of the shoe that will contact the backing plate (this means the side edge of the shoe, NOT the friction surface), the backing plate contact points, and the working surfaces of the anchor plate and wheel cylinder pistons. Use a grease recommended for precisely this application SAE J310, NLGI No. 1); not all lubricants are appropriate.
  9. Assemble hold down pins and springs and install the parking brake cable to the shoe. Install the shoe and secure the spring pin with the push-and-twist motion. (This can become a three-handed job; an assistant may be required.).

    Fig. 14: Install the shoe return spring so that the long side of the spring is mounted to the lever assembly shoe

  10. Install the other shoe and secure it.
  11. Install the adjusting mechanism and springs, making sure the springs are in the correct position. It is quite possible to install the springs backwards; this will cause impaired function and noise. When installing the shoe retainer spring and the shoe return spring, screw the adjuster in to its narrowest setting. To correctly install the shoe return spring and adjuster, follow this procedure:
    1. Install the right-hand thread brake adjuster to the left-hand side brake, and the left-hand thread brake adjuster to the right-hand side brake.
    2. Install the brake shoe adjuster, so that the identification grooves face outward.
    3. Attach the longer end of the shoe return spring to the shoe and lever assembly.
    4. Turn the brake shoe adjuster to adjust the outside diameter of the brake shoe assembly.

      NOTE: The adjuster on Montero and Pick-up has an identification groove on the non-forked end. This groove must face outward at installation.

  12. Double check the placement and installation of all components. Everything must be accurately placed and securely fastened.
  13. Use the adjuster to set the brakes to the correct diameter. Use an accurate measuring device to measure the outer diameter of the brake shoes. This measurement must be set correctly; otherwise either the drum will not go over the shoes or the adjustment will be too loose. Correct measurements are:
  14. Install the brake drum as described above.
  15. Install the wheels. Make sure you depress the brake pedal repeatedly to fully adjust the self-adjusters before operating the vehicle. Operate the vehicle at very low speed in both forward and reverse gears, pumping the brake pedal repeatedly. Bring the vehicle to a full stop and operate the parking brake several times. Pedal feel should be normal, but the vehicle should roll freely (with no drag) when the pedal is released. If any condition is abnormal, the brake adjustment and/or components must be investigated and corrected.

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