7 replies to this topic

[robtheplod]

This is going to sound like a really silly question ....... when is a rear brake pad worn and need replacing? Is there a recognised thickness?? I'm happy with the front disk brakes, but not sure if the same applies to the rear drums???

cheers
rob

Edited by robtheplod, 25 July 2011 - 12:33 PM.

[M J W J]

I was told by my MOT guy that any car should be able to get the rear wheels to lock up when the hand brake is applied with the car travelling at 20 mph. Not sure that this is the official test but have always got a car to pass on its rear brakes when they were able to do this.

[lrostoke]

This is what Haynes says

Brakes
Minimum brake shoe lining thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.0 mm
Minimum brake pad thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.0 mm
Handbrake lever travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 clicks of ratchet

[Big_Adam]

I tend to change them every few years anyway, rear set of shoes is ... £15 odd, every few years I change them for the hell of it.

Makes me get off my arse and check everything works back there.

[lrostoke]

Depends on the mileage though doesn't it, somebody who only drives on sunny days isn't going to go through shoes like somebody who uses it everyday.
Mine gets driven everyday so I'd reckon every 6 month I have the drums off just give them a check and clean out the dust.

[Sprocket]

99% of minis don't have rear brake pads, they have shoes

[bmcecosse]

That 20 mph test is good - try it. But what usually happens is that the levers inside and outside the drum seize up - and the brakes either stick on or off. The cylinders also tend to seize up - or leak horribly. So - for all it costs in parts - if there is any doubt about the rear brakes jus take them apart and free off/replace all the worn parts every now and again. Then go out an enjoy a few handbrake turns - before they all seize up again.......

[robtheplod]

thank you everyone - got a fair bit of wear left in them yet!!