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:

    Exterior lamp bulbs - renewal
    Note: The glass envelopes of the headlamp, auxiliary driving lamp and front foglamp bulbs must not be touched with the fingers. If the glass is accidentally touched, it should be washed with methy ...

    Handbrake cable - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Chock the front wheels, loosen the rear roadwheel nuts, then jack up the rear of the vehicle and support on axle stands. Release the handbrake and remove the roadwheels. 2 Slacken the h ...

    Front and rear brake pad/shoe check (Every 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months)
    1 Firmly apply the handbrake, then jack up the front and rear of the car and support it securely on axle stands (see “Jacking and vehicle support”). 2 For a quick check, the front brake disc pads ...