Drum Brake System: Description and Operation

A leading shoe (primary) and trailing shoe (secondary) setup is used on this vehicle. The mounting hardware for the shoes is similar but not interchangeable. When the brake pedal is depressed hydraulic pressure pushes the rear brake wheel cylinder pistons outward. The wheel cylinder push rods then push the brake shoes outward against the brake drum. When the brake pedal is released return springs attached to the brake shoes pull the shoes back to their original position.