How to Change Rear Brakes on a Celica

The Toyota Celica was manufactured with rear drum brakes, which require replacement or resurfacing of the friction surfaces at regular intervals. The drum cylinders and twin curved shoes use up their friction material, and can be maintained by the average backyard mechanic in about an hour.

Instructions

1

Raise the Celica at the rear frame rail, just in front of the brake to be changed. Position the floor jack under the rail and pump the lever until the wheel is in the air. Place the jack stand head under the frame rail.

2

Remove the wheel by turning the lug nuts counterclockwise, then pulling the wheel from the hub. Store the wheel away from the work area.

3

Remove the rear drum by turning the keeper screw counterclockwise, then pulling the drum from the brake assembly. The drum will slide off, away from the backing plate.

4

Use the screwdriver to lever the long springs off the shoe hooks. The springs can be changed for new units, or left dangling for reuse.

5

Turn the primary spring bolts counterclockwise and slide the shoes directly away from the brake assembly.

6

Replace the shoes and slide them into position onto the brake assembly. Tighten the primary spring bolt in the center of each shoe, then lever the long springs back onto the shoe hooks. Check the adjustment bolt at the bottom for slippage, and check the wheel cylinder for leaks.

7

Replace the drum with a new or resurfaced unit by sliding it over the shoes and pressing it to the backing plate. Replace the keeper screw by turning it clockwise until it is tight.

8

Replace the wheel by turning the lug nuts clockwise, in an alternating pattern.

9

Lower the car from the jack stand with the floor jack.

10

Repeat the process on the opposite side.