Please note that some of these brake shoes are specific to Corolla models built in Japan which have VIN numbers that start with a "J". Most of them are for USA/Canada built Corollas which have VIN numbers that start with a "1".

Two compatible "brake hardware" spring kits include the Raybestos H17378 ($12.30) and the Beck Arnley 084-1560.

Then spin off the lug nuts, remove the rear wheels and mark the relationship of the rear brake drum to the wheel hub (center circle) with a Sharpie marker. This is done so that you can re-install the drum in the same position without changing the dynamic balance of the assembly.

First try tapping the brake drum with a rubber mallet or a hammer and a piece of wood to break it free from the hub. Spraying the area where the hub meets the drum with WD-40 can also help.

If that doesn't work, remove the 12mm spare tire hold-down screw from the trunk and insert it into one of the two holes on the front of the brake drum. Slowly turn the screw in clockwise until you hear the drum begin to make popping noises.

Please note, we used a regular 12mm hex head bolt with a socket and ratcheting wrench. If you use the spare tire hold down screw, turn it by hand as far as possible and then use a pair of locking pliers or regular pliers to continue turning it clockwise.

Do not use compressed air to clean off the brakes to help avoid inhaling the brake dust.

Release the two hold down springs/cups with a pair of needle nose pliers. Push in on the cup to compress the spring and rotate it until the flat part of the pin can be passed through the small rectangular hole in the cup.

Place the old parts down on the floor or a rag in the same position as they were installed on the assembly to help yourself with the re-assembly later.

Next remove the rubber cap from the rear of the backing plate and use a short flathead screwdriver to turn the splines on the automatic adjuster mechanism until it retracts and the tension on the two upper springs is reduced.

Release the inner top spring and pull the front shoe away from the backing plate.

Pop the parking brake cable out of the hook on the parking brake lever. Open the old "C" washer with a pair of pliers and separate the parking brake lever from the old rear brake shoe.

Pop the parking brake cable back into the hook at the end of the parking brake lever.

Push the hold down pin through the rear of the backing plate and through the middle of the new rear brake shoe.

Place the spring and cup over the shoe until the flat tip of the pin passes through the rectangular hole in the cup. Rotate the cup 90 degrees or 1/4 turn to secure the pin in place.

Test fit the automatic adjuster on to the rear brake shoe using the other side or the picture above as a reference.

Please note, there may be some differences between 2003-2004 and 2005-2008 Corolla models. Always use the other side of your vehicle as the definitive point of reference when re-assembling the drum brakes.

Install the inner top spring on the brake shoes by first hooking it into the front shoe and then pulling it to the rear shoe with a pair of needle nose pliers or spring pliers. Double check that you have installed it into the correct holes by referencing the other side of the car.

If you have trouble installing the inner top spring, try temporarily removing the automatic adjuster to give yourself more working room.

Double check that you have installed the two top springs and one lower spring in the correct positions by referencing the drum brake assembly on the other side of the car.

Expand the adjuster mechanism until there is some tension on the two upper springs.

You will be using this side as a reference for completing the procedure correctly on the other side of the vehicle.

Go into the passenger cabin of the vehicle and pull on the emergency / parking brake handle several times. The automatic adjuster mechanism should make the handle a bit harder to pull each time and have less travel.

Lower the vehicle from the jack stands and remove the chocks from the front wheels.

Sit in the driver seat of the vehicle and pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure that there is adequate brake line pressure. If the pedal is overly soft or "mushy", you may need to bleed the brake lines.

For more, please check out my other Toyota Corolla Repair & Maintenance Guides.