Parts for your 2000 Toyota Crown-Brake shoes

2000 Toyota Crown brake shoes

Based on technical references, the 2000 Toyota Crown (S170 series, e.g., JZS171/JZS173) does use brake shoes. Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for the S170 Crown lists a “Shoe Kit, Parking Brake,” and the Crown S170 workshop manual describes a drum-in-disc (drum-in-hat) style parking brake built into the rear brake discs. That means brake shoes are fitted for the handbrake function, while the service brakes are discs front and rear.

The brake shoes on a 2000 Toyota Crown are there to hold the car steady when parked and to back up the main hydraulic system in a pinch. They sit inside the “hat” section of the rear discs and press outward on a small drum surface when the handbrake is pulled. Around town, on hills, or with a trailer on the back, a healthy set of shoes makes a massive difference to parking confidence and compliance with WOF (NZ) and rego/roadworthy (AU) checks.

For servicing, it pays to get the rear end up safely and give the shoes a look at each major service or roughly every 20,000–30,000 kilometres. They don’t wear as quickly as the disc pads, but time, contamination, and poor adjustment can knock them around. If the lining is thin, oil-soaked, cracked, or lifting from the shoe, it’s time for replacement. Always replace the pair on the axle together, clean out the drum area with proper brake cleaner (not compressed air), and check the return springs, adjuster, and handbrake cables for smooth operation.

Adjustment is key on these Crowns. After fitting, set the star wheel so the shoe just kisses the drum, then back it off slightly to avoid drag. Refit the rotor, then set the lever or pedal travel to spec so it holds firmly without needing an arm workout. A quick bed-in with a few gentle applications at low speed helps the new linings settle evenly.

A couple of easy wins: keep an eye on rear hub oil seals (any seepage can contaminate the shoes), listen for scraping or chirping from the rear when the handbrake is applied, and watch for extra lever clicks or a weak hold on a hill. Sorted shoes mean the Crown parks like it should and sails through inspections without stress.

• Replace in axle pairs and use quality parts.
• Clean and lightly lube contact points with high-temp brake grease.
• Adjust correctly and recheck after a short drive.

Popular questions

Do 2000 Toyota Crowns have rear drum brakes or brake shoes?
They run rear disc brakes for normal stopping, but there’s a small drum built into the disc hat for the parking brake. That drum uses brake shoes, so yes—this model does have brake shoes, specifically for the handbrake.

How often should the parking brake shoes be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre interval. Many sets last well over 100,000 km, but they should be inspected at each major service. Replace if the linings are worn, contaminated, cracked, or if adjustment no longer restores a solid hold.

What are the signs the Crown’s brake shoes need attention?
A long handbrake travel, weak holding on hills, scraping when the handbrake is partly on, or failing a WOF/rego brake test are common clues. Contamination from a leaking hub seal is another common cause of poor performance.