I searched and didn't find anything, so pardon me if this has been posted somewhere.

Is there an accepted place to drill an inspection hole to look at the rear brake shoes on a first gen with the drum brakes?

Seems foolish that you have to pull the axle shaft and hub to check condition.

Thanks.

 

How you going to see:

Grooved or over worn drum
uneven brake shoe wear
slightly leaking wheel cylinder
weak or missing springs
frayed e-brake cable.

That's why we pull em.

 

Yeah it's a friggin pain.......but it's the correct, and only accurate way to check things. Plus I've never seen, or heard, of anyone drilling holes in their backing plates for brake lining checks.

 

PO of my truck cut a small slot in the backing plate with a cut off wheel, just enough to see how much meat is left on the center of the secondary shoe.

 

Most of the heavy duty trucks, trailers and transit coaches have worked on all have the backs of the brakes open, inspection is simple and adjustment is made using a feeler gauge.

I would slot my backing plates just to keep an eye on the thickness of the lining and to make sure the adjusters were working properly.

Some drums used to have a knock out on the face of the drum for this purpose.

Jim

 

Thanks for the replies. I was hoping there was an "accepted" location but I'll make it up as I go.

I appreciate doing the normal inspections, but I want to keep an eye on things a little closer, like every time I take my truck for a long drive. I don't mind climbing under the ol' girl and checking everything monthly.