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:

    Fuel level sender unit - removal and refitting
    Caution: Refer to the precautions in Section 1 before proceeding. A new seal must be used when refitting the sender unit. Saloon, Hatchback and Estate models All models except 2.0 litre DOHC 1 ...

    General information and precautions
    General information From the 1990 model year, an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system controlled by the Electronic Engine Control IV (EEC IV) system, and incorporating an Electronic Distributor ...

    Fuses and relays - location and renewal
    Location 1 The main fuses and relays are located in a box in the engine compartment on the righthand side of the bulkhead. The circuits protected are identified by symbols on the underside of the ...