Removing rear brake drum

[Diplomat]

My MOT test is due in October so now is the time to check a few things.

I've just had a rear wheel off for a quick look at the pads, which will need replacing.

I'm wondering about the parking brake shoes. I was rather hoping to have a look at them. I can't imagine that they ever do much work but I read on another thread http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... es#p563762 that they are manufactured fairly thin on the linings.

Also I wanted to see the general state of the mechanism.

I lifted the entire caliper unit away hoping to remove the drum/disc but despite a bit of hammering (the wheel studs were hard up against one edge of the holes) it didn't budge. I tried looking through the hole and could see enough lining to keep me happy but could not rotate the hub as the axle was in park.

Obviously I needed to seriously chock the front wheels as in order to rotate the rear hubs I would end up with no brakes at all to keep the van from moving, even though it is on the flat. I went to put my foot on the brake pedal, after chocking, in order to take it out of 'park' but stopped quickly on realising that I would express the pads and have trouble sliding them back over the disk.

Questions

Have I discovered all the traps for the unwary?

Are the brakes adjustable through the holes like on old cars we knew and loved?

Is there anything else I need to know about removing the drum?

Would it be better to assume that the shoes have never done a hard day's work and I am just making extra work for myself?


Frank

[Simon Jones]

Could I tempt you with a spare workshop manual? . Seven pages on the rear brake calipers, parking brake and adjustment. Only £45 inc postage. Going to list it in the Small Ads this evening.

[Simon Jones]

Manual now sold, but if you're stuck, PM your email address and I'll scan the relevant pages for you before it goes to the Post Office.

[lazyb5]

You need the hole at the bottom of the wheel and there's an adjuster that you can turn using a screwdriver, you just need to back it off a little then the drum/disc will come off.

[mikeonb4c]

You need the hole at the bottom of the wheel and there's an adjuster that you can turn using a screwdriver, you just need to back it off a little then the drum/disc will come off.

Yes. And I wouldn't bother trying to remove the drum unless it then comes off easily and/or unless there was some obvious need to. If it ain't bust etc.....some stones are best left unturned. It's only a parking brake after all

[rita]

Hi Diplomat ,

It is worthwhile keeping your hand brake(Emergency Brake) in realy good order,you never know when you have to use in in Ernest.

Cheers

[Diplomat]

Simon Jones. Thanks, pm sent.

...
Yes. And I wouldn't bother trying to remove the drum unless it then comes off easily and/or unless there was some obvious need to. If it ain't bust etc.....some stones are best left unturned. It's only a parking brake after all

As already hinted, that was my instinctive feeling. On a few occasions I have slightly applied hand brake when moving in order to slow slightly to keep safety distance without losing top gear lock up. Having now read how much the shoes cost, I will henceforth refrain from that practice and tolerate the extra fuel used if it drops out. Either that or resort to 'Honest John's' unbelievable recommendation to Daily Telegraph reading drivers of automatics to brake with the left foot.

Occasionally most of us probably drive off without fully releasing the handbrake until spotting the warning light, but generally I don't use the hanbrake when parked on the level. I now also wonder what damage the MOT handbrake test does to the lining of shoes specifically designed for static use. I will mention this to my tester, another Simon, who has a good knowledge of Bongo idiosyncracies and a barely concealed desire to own one.

Just read Rita's comment which arrived while I was typing, which is, indeed, a very valid point. It is an option available to a quick witted passenger in the event of a driver collapsing. A good reason for all hanbrakes to be in the middle and not by the driver's door.


Frank

[rita]

It is also an option to the Driver if the Pedal goes to the Metal (Floor)

Cheers

[mikeonb4c]

My Bongo handbrake wasn't very effective when I bought it. Adjusting up the linings and the handbrake cables made a huge improvement, without removing the drum. Which is why I suggest not fretting if the drum won't come off willingly