How to Replace Rear Drum Brakes 97-01 Toyota Camry

Difficulty: Advanced · About 120 min · Toyota Camry

Service the rear drum brake shoes on a 1997–2001 Toyota Camry, preserving spring positions and adjusting both sides evenly.

Steps

1. Secure the vehicle and remove a drum

   Chock the front wheels and release the parking brake. Loosen the rear wheel nuts, raise and support the rear securely, remove the wheels, then pull off the drums; if a drum binds, back off the adjuster rather than forcing it.

2. Record and remove the old hardware

   Work on one side at a time and photograph the spring and adjuster layout for reference. Remove the shoe hold-down hardware, detach the parking brake cable and adjuster linkage, and lift the shoes away without stretching or damaging springs.

3. Transfer hardware and fit new shoes

   Clean the backing plate and reusable adjuster parts with brake cleaner while avoiding inhalation of dust. Transfer the parking brake lever and adjuster to the correct new shoe, install the new hardware, and ensure each spring and hold-down retainer matches the opposite side.

4. Adjust the shoes and refit drums

   Set the adjuster so the shoes sit centered and the drum slides on with slight, even drag. Repeat the procedure on the other side, compare both adjustments, and reinstall the drums without forcing them over misaligned shoes.

5. Reinstall wheels and verify braking

   Refit the wheels, lower the vehicle, and tighten lug nuts to the vehicle specification in a star pattern. Pump the brake pedal until firm, check parking brake function and fluid level, and conduct a cautious low speed test; seek professional service if the pedal is soft or braking is uneven.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.