Brake Shoe: Testing and Inspection

WARNING! Block the front wheels before jacking up the rear of the car.


1. Raise the rear of the car and support with safety stands in proper locations.
2. Loosen the parking brake.
3. Remove the rear wheels and rear brake drum.

WARNING! Do not use an air hose to blow the brake assembly clean. Use an OSHA-approved vacuum cleaner, to avoid breathing brake lining dust.


4. Inspect the wheel cylinders for leakage. If they are leaking, replace as a unit. Do not overhaul.


5. Inspect the brake linings for cracking, glazing, wear or contamination.

Checking Brake Shoe Lining Thickness:

6. Measure the brake lining thickness.


NOTE: Lining Thickness does not include brake shoe thickness.
Standard: 4.5 mm (0.18 in) Service Limit: 2.0 mm (0.08 in)

7. Inspect bearings in hub unit for smooth operation.

Checking Drum Thickness:

8. Measure inside diameter of brake drum using inside vernier calipers.


Drum Inside Diameter:

Standard: 220 mm (8.66 in) Service Limit: 221 mm (8.70 in)


NOTE: If the refinishing limit stamped on the drum does not match the one listed above, use the one on the drum.