Parts for your 2013 Toyota Land cruiser-Brake shoes

2013 Toyota Land Cruiser brake shoes — what they do and how to look after them

Technical documentation confirms brake shoes are relevant to the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser (200 Series). The Toyota Repair Manual for the 200 Series (URJ202/VDJ200) and Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue list a drum-in-hat parking brake at the rear: the service brakes are discs all round, and a separate set of internal brake shoes operates the parking brake inside the rear rotor “hat”.

Those parking brake shoes are small curved friction linings that press outward against the inner drum surface of the rear rotors when the handbrake is applied. Their job is to hold the big Land Cruiser steady on slopes, during towing hook-ups, and when parked off-road. They’re not used for normal stopping, so they usually wear far slower than disc pads, but they still need periodic inspection, adjustment, and the odd refresh — especially if the vehicle tows, carries heavy loads, or sees beach or muddy tracks.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to check the parking brake shoe lining thickness, the condition of the springs and retainers, and the star-wheel adjuster. Many techs recommend inspecting every 20,000–30,000 kilometres or annually. If the linings are glazed or contaminated with mud or grease, a proper clean with brake cleaner (no compressed air) and light deglazing can restore bite. Hardware gets tired too, replacing the spring/clip kit when fitting new shoes helps keep the hold consistent.

Common signs it’s time for attention include:

• Excessive lever travel or a weak hold on a hill.
• Grinding or scraping noises from the rear when the handbrake is on and the vehicle just begins to move.
• Uneven or shiny (glazed) shoe surfaces, or lining approaching the service limit.

Adjustment is done via the star wheel through the backing plate access port: set until a light, even drag is felt, then back off slightly so the wheel turns freely with a faint rub. After fitting new shoes, a careful bed-in procedure helps — gentle, low-speed applications on a quiet, flat road — which a workshop can handle safely. Using quality parts that meet local standards and keeping everything clean and correctly adjusted makes a noticeable difference to park-hold strength and inspection compliance across Australia and New Zealand.

Popular questions

Does a 2013 Land Cruiser actually have brake shoes?
Yes. While the 200 Series runs disc brakes front and rear for normal stopping, it uses internal parking brake shoes inside the rear rotors. Toyota’s 200 Series Repair Manual and EPC detail this drum-in-hat arrangement.

How often should the parking brake shoes be replaced or adjusted?
There’s no fixed kilometre replacement interval because wear depends on use. Many vehicles go well past 100,000 km. Inspect and adjust at regular services (about every 20,000–30,000 km), sooner if you tow, park on steep grades, or drive through sand or mud.

What are the symptoms of worn or out-of-adjustment parking brake shoes?
Expect long lever travel, poor holding on an incline, scraping noises with the handbrake partially applied, or an uneven hold left-to-right. These issues can also trigger a failed inspection or WOF check if not addressed.