Parking Brake Strut

What Is a Parking Brake Strut?

The parking brake strut — sometimes called a drum brake bar lever — is a small but critical piece of hardware inside a rear drum brake assembly. When the parking brake is applied, the lever pushes the rear secondary shoe outward, and the brake strut forces the primary forward shoe into the drum. This mechanical linkage is what allows a drum-style parking brake to hold a vehicle stationary without any hydraulic pressure involved — it's a purely mechanical system that depends on precision-fit hardware to function correctly.

The parking brake strut is the member that acts upon the primary shoe, meaning its condition directly determines how effectively your parking brake engages. A bent, corroded, or worn strut can result in a parking brake that feels loose, fails to hold on a grade, or doesn't release cleanly — all serious safety concerns.

Star Adjusters and Self-Adjusting Systems

Not all parking brake struts are simple flat bars. Many strut bars have star adjusters incorporated, and it's essential to keep these systems adjusted to maintain proper parking brake tension and operation. Self-adjusting brakes automatically adjust the lining-to-drum clearance, but only when the hardware — including the strut — is in good shape. If the adjuster mechanism built into the strut seizes from rust or debris, the auto-adjust function is lost and brake performance degrades over time.

When Should You Replace a Parking Brake Strut?

Parking brake struts are typically inspected and replaced during a drum brake service. Because they live inside the drum and are exposed to heat, moisture, and road grime, corrosion is the most common failure mode. Signs that your strut may need attention include a spongy or ineffective parking brake, unusual noises from the rear drums when engaging or releasing the parking brake, or visible rust and distortion when the drum is removed. Since these parts are relatively inexpensive and labor is already invested during a brake job, replacing the strut at the same time as shoes and springs is considered best practice.

Choosing the Right Parking Brake Strut

Fit matters most with parking brake hardware. Struts are vehicle-specific — length, end-fitting geometry, and adjuster thread direction vary by make, model, and year. Always verify compatibility before ordering. Beyond fitment, look for struts made from corrosion-resistant materials or with protective coatings, especially in regions where road salt is common.

Top Brands for Parking Brake Struts

Raybestos is the top-selling brand in this category and one of the most respected names in brake hardware. With a long history in friction and brake component manufacturing, Raybestos produces parking brake struts engineered to OE specifications, making them a go-to choice for professional technicians and serious DIYers alike.

Dorman brings its well-known OE-replacement philosophy to parking brake struts. Dorman's parking brake struts are designed to match the fit and function of the original part on specified vehicles, and the brand backs its parts with broad vehicle coverage and reliable customer support.

Motorcraft is Ford's own parts brand, making it the natural choice for owners of Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with rear drum brakes. Motorcraft parking brake struts are built to the same standards as original factory components, ensuring precise fitment and dependable performance on Ford-platform vehicles.