How to Inspect Brake Shoe Linings

You should regularly inspect the brake shoe linings on your car to insure that your brakes continue to function. Issues such as brake pedals that touch the floor, "spongy" brakes or brakes that are too hard to press can be avoided with regular inspections.

Instructions

1

Remove the wheel and the brake drum to measure the thickness of the lining. Check for any signs of leaking fluid or grease from the hub or axle shaft seal. Note any cracks or other damage to the drums.

2

Inspect brake shoe linings for signs of wear and exposure to oil and grease. If the lining is less than 1/32 of an inch of the rivet heads, replace it.

3

Schedule annual inspections to determine whether brake linings wear to the point that you need to change them. The constant contact between the brake shoe lining and the drum is what causes the break lining to wear, and this can cause breaking problems.