Hey guys, i was wondering how do i know if i have to adjust or replace my rear drum brakes? I'm almost at 45k miles already and want to check my brakes. I don't know what to look for.

Thanks for reading.

 

Your rear brakes are self-adjusting as are all drum brakes. To check for need for replacement, take off your wheel(s) with the rear up on jack stands, release the parking brake, and pull off the drum(s). The front brake shoe is the primary, rear is the secondary shoe. The primary is smaller, and wears faster than the secondary. The Honda Fit service manual will tell you how to measure the lining thickness on the shoes, but in general if either shoe is worn down to about 1/16", it's time for replacement.

You should have the service manual for instructions on how to R&R all of the brake parts, and to set the adjustment after replacement.

 

Okay, Oofie,
I looked it up for you. Replace shoes when linings are worn to 2mm (.080"). My guess of 1/16" was a little too late (.0625"). The linings are glued to the metal shoes. If they wear too thin, they get hot enough to have the glue fail and the linings fall off, leaving you with metal-to-metal contact and NO stopping power at all. Now you need two new drums too.

 

Thanks manxman! I'm gonna check my drum brakes when I rotate my tires this weekend. Now, only problem is learning how to replace them. Thanks again!