Shoe And Linings-Rear Drum Brake: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Inspect the shoe linings. Rear brake shoe linings should show contact across the entire width of the lining and also from the heel to the toe of the lining. Replace the shoes if noted otherwise. Brake shoes with lack of contact at the toe or heel of the brake shoe lining may be improperly ground.

Clean and inspect the brake support plate and shoe adjuster screw. Apply a thin coat of Mopar® Multi-Purpose Grease or equivalent to the threads of the self-adjuster. Replace the adjuster screw if it is corroded.

NOTE: Adjuster screws are different side-to-side. Left side adjuster screws have left-hand threads and right side adjuster screws have right-hand threads.

Inspect the return springs and hold-down spring clips. If the existing brake shoe return springs or hold-down spring clips have been overheated or damaged, replace them. Overheating indications are paint discoloration or distorted end coils.