How do you know when your rear brakes are almost out

Question

rear drum brakes, pulling the e-brake works

is there a wear indicator? like with front disk brakes?

Answer 1

The best way to know is pulling on emergency brake, however if emergency brake is not properlly adj. ( should be 4-5 clicks) this will not always tell you. Ultimatlly the best overall way is to take drum off and inspect. Typically the rear shoes will last double the time of front pads. Second time doing brakes on front, change rear at same time. These shoes depend on quality level of original shoes, some last longer than other.  

Answer 2

Take the drum apart! Unfortunately there is not normally any way of seeing the shoes without removing the drum cover! Once inside you will clearly see all.

Why are you asking though?

If it's an imbalanced rear brake problem check carefully the piston seals while your looking as they often leak. To do this - CAREFULLY pull back the seals on each side of the piston to make sure they are dry underneath - make sure they sit back nicely afterwards & seal again!

Good luck

Answer 3

Most shoes do not have wear indicators although there are a very limited few that do. Remove the wheels and take a look.

Answer 4

Sorry,,,no indecator,,, you must remove the rear drum to see the thickness it self. Depending on the milage, if the drum comes off easily,,,the self adjuster ,or the wheel cycinder may not be working properly.A lot of brake repair shops will check free,,, just find one you trust.

Answer 5

best way is to look at them... waiting til you hear them grind is too late... here is a easy way to know back brake how last the front by like time time so if you have done the front more than once or twice the back are ready easy to check remove wheel pul hub and look if you cant do that ask a shop to check brakes woul dbe best