Brake Shoe: Testing and Inspection

1. Inspect brake shoes and linings for peeling, cracking or uneven wear and replace if necessary.
2. Using a micrometer, measure the thickness of the remaining lining. If less than 3 mm (0.125 inch) of lining remains, the brake shoe and lining must be replaced.
3. Replace any lining that has been contaminated with oil, grease or brake fluid.
4. Check condition of brake shoes and linings, retracting spring, hold-down springs and brake drum for signs of overheating. If brake shoes and linings have a slight blue coloring, this indicates overheating. Replace the springs. If not replaced, overheated springs lose their tension and could allow new lining to drag and wear prematurely.
5. Prior to replacement of linings, check brake drum diameter to determine if brake drum diameter is within specification. If braking surface diameter exceeds specification, brake drum must be replaced.