hi
can any one tell me how to adjust the rear shoes on my 1997 brava 1.6 16v auto
many thanks

Hi

Are the rear brake shoes not supposed to be self adjusting? They are on my 1.2 '51 plate.

Going from memory, I believe that the procedure is to back off handbrake cable (nut under handbrake lever), pump the footbrake (many times), reset the handbrake.

If that doesn't do it for you then you will have to take the drum off & investigate. Maybe the self adjusting mechanism is not operating as it should (stuck with brake dust?) A dismantle and thorough clean of the self adjust mechanism should sort it.

My rear drums on my 97' 1.6 Brava euro model sure doesn't have auto adjusting properties. The springs in the drums needs a little tweaking and squeezing to work / be in balance with each other. I usually just take the car to a mechanic as I absolutely HATE the adjustment procedure.

Also working with asbestos is not my idea of staying healthy. Last time I checked my pathology books, asbestos leads to mesothelioma, lovely
My health is worth more than the 50€ it costs to have a professional mechanic with the proper training, tools, ventilation and mask do this job

You know modern brake shoes are asbestos free right? If yours are still asbestos, you might want to get a new set (Still, a dust mask is usually a good idea, silicosis is not pretty either)

@4
Yeah, UN ECE R90 5.1d states 'Brake linings shall not contain asbestos.'
Problem is, that not all EU countries conformed to this legislation as it was passed. Check page 131 on this pdf:
http://live.unece.org/trans/main/wp29/wp29wgs/wp29gen/wp29fdocstts_1.html
....'92 in Holland and United Kingdoms, '94 Denmark. But what about Switzerland ('11) and others? It'll be a while till we (as in 'Europe') get rid of asbestos completely. Also China still uses asbestos in pads. Wonna bet some get past import regulations in some obscure part of Europe?

Anyway, aerosols forming (and subsequent inhalation) as half-assed mechanics use compressed air and no ventilation / masks to clean out drums is the main problem - Be it aerosols from silicon dioxide (silicosis) or other irritants / carcinogenics. Asbestos does not have a lower limit to cause mesothelioma and other 'fun' diseases.


Gamble all you want with your lungs - I'll do what I can to limit the exposure of harmful stuff to my lungs