Parts for your 2013 Toyota Fortuner-Brake shoes

2013 Toyota Fortuner brake shoes — what they do and when to replace them

Brake shoes are absolutely relevant to the 2013 Toyota Fortuner. The model runs front disc brakes and rear leading–trailing drum brakes that use brake shoes. This setup is documented in Toyota’s Fortuner 2013 Owner’s Manual (Brakes—Specifications), Toyota’s Repair Manual for Fortuner/Hilux AN60 series (Rear Drum Brake section: removal/installation/adjustment), and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, which lists rear brake shoe and hardware part numbers for this year and platform.

On a 2013 Fortuner, the rear brake shoes press outward against the drum to slow the vehicle and also provide the mechanical parking brake function. It’s a rugged design that suits Aussie and Kiwi conditions: sealed from grit on unsealed roads, consistent under load, and reliable for towing and off-roading. When the linings wear thin or glaze, stopping distances creep up, pedal feel can change, and handbrake travel increases.

As part of routine servicing, plan on inspecting the rear drums and shoes every 20,000 km or 12 months, or sooner if the vehicle tows regularly, does steep descents, or sees a lot of mud and water. Typical replacement intervals vary widely—anywhere from 60,000 to 120,000 km—depending on driving style, load, and terrain. Telltales include scraping or grinding at low speeds, a pulsing pedal, a burning smell after hills, brake pull, or a wet/dusty shoe from a seeping wheel cylinder.

• Always service both sides together and use a spring/hardware kit when replacing shoes.
• Measure drum internal diameter, machine or replace if out of spec or heat-spotted.
• Check and, if needed, rebuild/replace wheel cylinders, bleed fresh DOT 3/4 fluid.
• Adjust the star wheel so the shoes lightly drag, then fine-tune the handbrake cable.
• Bed in new shoes with a series of gentle stops from 50–60 km/h to stabilise friction.

For a Fortuner that tows a van, boat, or work trailer, staying on top of shoe wear is cheap insurance. Quality linings that match OE spec give consistent cold and hot bite, resist fade, and keep drum wear in check. If the rear end feels weak, the handbrake climbs too many clicks, or there’s brake noise after creek crossings, it’s time to pull the drums and have a proper look—ideal alongside a scheduled service, WOF/safety check, or before a big trip.

Popular questions

How often should brake shoes be replaced on a 2013 Fortuner?
Most owners see 60,000–120,000 km from a set, but towing, hills, sand, and stop–start work can shorten that. A yearly/20,000 km inspection is the smart move so shoes, drums, and wheel cylinders can be checked and adjusted before issues crop up.

What are the signs the Fortuner’s rear brake shoes are worn?
Longer stopping distances, more handbrake travel, scraping or grinding from the rear, a low or pulsating pedal, and a hot smell after descents. Pulling a drum and finding thin, cracked, glazed, or contaminated linings is confirmation.

Can worn shoes damage the drums?
Yes. If linings run low or delaminate, the metal backing can score the drum. That can mean machining to restore the surface—or replacing the drum if it’s beyond the service limit—so timely shoe replacement saves money.