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
17.1b 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:
Servicing your tires
Checking the tire pressure
Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle has been
parked for at least one hour or has been driven less tha ...
Exhaust system check (Every 12 000 miles or 12 months)
With the vehicle raised on a hoist or
supported on axle stands (see “Jacking and
Vehicle Support”), check the exhaust system
for signs of leaks, corrosion or damage and
check the rubber mountings ...
Tailgate (Hatchback and Estate models) - removal and refitting
Note: On Hatchback models made before
1990 with an integral heated rear
window/radio aerial, note that the radio aerial
lead is routed through different openings to
that of other models in the rea ...
