How to Replace Emergency Brakes in a Toyota Corolla

The emergency brakes on your vehicle were originally used to stop it when the regular brakes failed. However, the brakes on a Toyota Corolla now rarely fail, and the emergency brakes are more often used to keep the vehicle from moving while parked. The most common source of failure for emergency brakes occurs when they aren't used for a period of time, causing the brake cable to rust and seize.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Emergency brakes kit
• Socket wrench set

1. • 1

     Determine which type of emergency brakes your Toyota Corolla will need. Emergency brakes typically function by activating the regular braking system on the driving wheels. The emergency brakes for the latest Toyota Corolla uses the drum brakes on the rear wheels.

   • 2

     Raise the vehicle to remove the rear wheels and brake drum with a socket wrench. Remove the return spring, hold-down spring and its pin from the leading brake shoe. Disconnect the leading brake shoe with a socket wrench and release the anchor spring from its lower edge.

   • 3

     Release the hold-down spring from the trailing brake shoe. Remove the trailing brake shoe out with the adjuster strut, automatic adjuster assembly and springs still attached.

   • 4

     Disconnect the parking brake cable with a socket wrench so you can remove the return spring and the adjusting strut. Remove the anchor spring and adjusting strut. Unhook the adjusting lever spring from the rear brake shoe and release the C-clip so you can remove the automatic adjuster assembly.

   • 5

     Install the new brake shoes by reversing the removal procedure. Ensure the C-clip fits properly and position the brake shoe so the lower end sits in the anchor plate and the upper end lies against the wheel cylinder boot. The return spring and adjusting strut should ride freely between the two brake shoes.