I have a 2003 toyota corolla S edition. I need to get the rear brakes replaced, but when I went to the parts store for rotors and pads, they told me I might need drums and shoes. How can I find out what parts are needed for my corolla?

Well, if your vehicle does have rear drum brakes this is a much more detailed and difficult procedure than if you were just replacing pads on a disk brake system. On drum brakes you would first need to basically beat the drum loose from around the brake shoes with a mini sledge hammer, once removed you would need a brake spring compressor in order to remove the tension for you to be able to remove the old shoes. You would then need to install, adjust and fit the drum back in place. The only way to know if you need a new drum is after it has been removed for signs of excessive damage to the inner surface. I would suggest taking it to a brake shop, it would be much cheaper and significantly less aggravating than if you had to purchase the required tools and do it yourself for the first time. I can personally do it but would rather not to give you some perspective. Average time to remove and replace a normal disk style brake pad is 20 minutes or less a drum system is well over twice that

That is pretty easy, just look through the rear wheels, if find a shiny disc like thing with a pad on it then u just need to tell the shop keeper that u need brake pads for rear disc brakes.

if u find just a circular drum like thing, then u need to tell the shopkeeper that u need a pad for drum brakes.

pic of disc brake: http://wajwaj.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/How-to-Change-Disc-Brake-Pads.jpg
pic of drum brake: http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/drum-brake2.jpg


hope this helps

The best way would be to remove the wheel and see if you have drums or discs. Disc brakes on the rear will look like the front brakes, as discs are required on the front of 1970 vehicles and newer. You will see the rotor which will be shiny where the pads have rubbed it. On a drum, it will look like a rusty metal bowl facing away from you. If you have custom wheels you may be able to see through the spokes, but dust guards will not let you tell from the back.