Servicing rear drum brakes on WS Fiesta Zetec

[ach]

Hi all,

I've searched through the forum, but can't seem to find much info - I wanted to ask about people's experiences with the maintenance of the rear drum brakes on the WS Fiesta.

Some questions I have:
1. How long before you need to replace the shoes and cylinders?

2. What about the drums themselves, how much life can I expect out of them? At my 60,000 kms service last year, they told me the rear brakes needed servicing at the next service, but didn't elaborate on whether that meant replacing of the drums, or machining.

3. How much would new shoes, cylinders, and drums cost? (Just so I know what to expect.)

Thanks for any info.

[Pursya]

I'd be shocked if the rear drums required any servicing at 60k. They simply don't do enough work.
You may need to ask the service agent just why they need servicing and what is required to service them.
If you're unhappy with the answer, take the car to a specialist like ABS.

[Franco Cozzo]

Mine started squealling under braking constantly, its got 50,000km on the clock, I pulled the rear drum housing off and soaked it with brake cleaner, cleaned out all the dust around the shoes, wheel cylinder and inside the drum and wiped it out with a rag.

Now it doesn't squeal/squeak at all, even when cold.

There was basically no wear on the shoes, FWD cars are 80% front bias on the brakes, so I reckon they will last 150,000km no worries.

Maybe they are talking about adjusting hand brake?

[ach]

Thanks for the replies.

I don't have anything concrete written down, but from memory I was told last year that my rear brakes only have about 35% left in them. Sounds like this is quite a lot of wear, for a 4-yr-old Fiesta that had only done 55,000 kms.

Well fast forward a year later, and I now have the car booked in for its 5 yr service. Will see what the dealer service guys say this time.

I've also had a quote from an independent mechanic (no inspection done yet) - $355 for new brake shoes and cylinders, plus machine the drums.

[ach]

Just a quick update - the car has come back from service, and this time they're telling me the rear drum brakes have 40% life left. So no work required at this time, which is good I suppose.

I do have another question re wheel alignment settings, but I think I might start a new topic.