How to Remove the Rear Drum Brakes From a 1985 Toyota Truck

Drum brakes used to be the best technology available back in the 40s and 50s, but since then, brakes have come a long way. Although they have many issues when used as a front brake, when used in the rear, they do an excellent job of stopping a truck or car plus functioning as a parking brake. On a 1985 Toyota truck, the drum brakes on the rear axle are a bit complicated to remove, but it can be done at home.

Instructions

1

Use the jack to lift up the truck by the rear axle, then support the axle on jack stands. Unbolt the rear tires using the tire iron and set them to the side.

2

Look at the backside of the drum and locate the drum shoe adjusting brake, which is a little screw at the top of the drum's backside. Turn this screw counterclockwise to loosen the pressure from the drum brakes to the drum. Then hold the face of the drum brake using your hands and pull it off of the axle with your hands.

3

Remove the springs securing the inner brake shoes to the brake backing plate using the brake spring pliers. Then pull the brake shoes off of the rear end.