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:

    Rear brake shoes - renewal
    Warning: Brake shoes must be renewed on both rear wheels at the same time - never renew the shoes on only one wheel, as uneven braking may result. Also, the dust created by wear of the shoes may ...

    Tailgate/boot lid lock and cylinder - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Remove the trim panel as described in Section 32. 2 Extract the lock cylinder retaining clip, disconnect the control rods and remove the cylinder. 3 Undo the three screws and detach th ...

    Major operations possible with the engine in the car
    The following work can be carried out without having to remove the engine: a) Timing belt - renewal. b) Camshaft oil seal - renewal. c) Camshaft - removal and refitting. d) Cylinder head - remova ...