Rear brake shoe lining check (Every 6000 miles or 6 months)

1 Due to the fact that the rear brake drums are combined with the hubs, which makes removal of the drums more complicated than is the case with detachable drums, inspection of the shoe linings can be carried out at the specified intervals by prising out the small inspection plug from the brake backplate and observing the linings through the hole using a mirror (see illustrations).

17.1a Brake shoe viewing hole location (arrowed) in backplate
17.1a Brake shoe viewing hole location (arrowed) in backplate

17.1b Checking rear brake lining wear with a mirror
17.1b Checking rear brake lining wear with a mirror

2 A minimum thickness of friction material must always be observed on the shoes. If it is worn down to this level, renew the shoes.

3 Do not attempt to re-line shoes yourself but always obtain factory re-lined shoes.

4 Renew the shoes in an axle set (four shoes), even if only one is worn to the minimum.

    See also:

    Crankshaft front oil seal - renewal
    1.8 litre (R2A type) 1 Remove the timing belt and the crankshaft sprocket and thrustwasher. 2 Withdraw the oil seal using an oil seal removal tool or by drilling the oil seal outer face and using ...

    Rear hub bearings - adjustment
    Note: A new hub nut split-pin must be used on refitting. 1 Raise and support the rear of the vehicle on stands. Release the handbrake. 2 This adjustment will normally only be required if, when th ...

    Heating and ventilation system - description
    The heater is of the type which utilises waste heat from the engine coolant. The coolant is pumped through the matrix in the heater casing where air, force-fed by a duplex radial fan, disperses th ...