Rear Drum Brake Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Honda Insight and 2010 Honda Insight. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Frequent inhalation of brake shoe dust, regardless of material composition, could be hazardous to your health.

Avoid breathing dust particles.
Never use an air hose or brush to clean brake assemblies. Use an OSHA-approved vacuum cleaner.

Raise the vehicle on a lift (see LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS ).
Remove the rear wheels.
Release the parking brake, and remove the brake drum (see REAR BRAKE DRUM REPLACEMENT ).

Fig 1: Exploded View Of Rear Drum Brake And Bolts With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check the wheel cylinder (A) for leakage.

Fig 2: Checking Wheel Cylinder For Leakage
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check the brake linings (B) for cracking, glazing, wear, and contamination.
NOTE: Contaminated brake linings or drums reduce stopping ability.
Measure the brake lining thickness (C). Measurement does not include brake shoe thickness.
Brake lining thickness:

Standard: 4.5 mm (0.18 in)

Service limit: 1.0 mm (0.04 in)
If any part of the brake lining thickness is less than the service limit, replace the brake shoes as a set.
Check the hub (D) for smooth operation. If it requires servicing, replace the hub bearing unit (see HUB BEARING UNIT REPLACEMENT ).
Measure the inside diameter of the brake drum with inside vernier calipers.
Drum inside diameter:

Standard: 200 mm (7.874 in)

Service limit: 201 mm (7.91 in)

Fig 3: Measuring Inside Diameter Of Brake Drum With Inside Vernier Calipers
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If the inside diameter of the brake drum is more than the service limit, replace the brake drum.
Install the brake drum (see REAR BRAKE DRUM REPLACEMENT ).
Check the brake drum for scoring, grooves, corrosion, and cracks.
Clean the mating surfaces between the brake disc and the inside of the wheel, then install the rear wheels.