Abstract: An automated apparatus for removing rivets connecting a brake lining to a brake shoe is provided. One aspect of the invention includes a frame structure to which a brake shoe support assembly containing a plurality of curved supports is attached through a spring biased guide means. The brake shoe support assembly is rotatable through use of a stepper motor so rows of rivets on the brake shoe can be aligned with the rivet punch bits of the apparatus. The punch bits are mounted in a punch block that is rigidly attached to the frame structure. The punch block contains at least one module that that can be moved transversely with respect to the brake shoe so that the punch bits in the punch block can be aligned with the different columns of rivets on the brake shoe. A press assembly pushes the brake shoe clamped to the brake shoe support assembly against the bias from the spring biased guide onto the punch block so that the rivets are removed.