my handbrake handle seems to be pointing a little too high, I know the adjuster is in the centre console but wonder whether the rear shoes are ready for changing.(51plate with genuine 36k) The handbrake holds fine but obviously some adjustment would seem necessary. Anyone got a view as to whether I would be better doing a re shoe at the same time? are the rear shoes normally good for more mileage? Also what can I expect to pay for this at an independent garage?

Thanks

Kevin

:wonder: I've got the exact same problem mate, wondering all of the above also

my handbrake handle seems to be pointing a little too high, I know the adjuster is in the centre console but wonder whether the rear shoes are ready for changing.(51plate with genuine 36k) The handbrake holds fine but obviously some adjustment would seem necessary. Anyone got a view as to whether I would be better doing a re shoe at the same time? are the rear shoes normally good for more mileage? Also what can I expect to pay for this at an independent garage?

Thanks

Kevin

Why not adjust the cable adjuster ,to allow 4 clicks when you pull up the handbrake,then wait until you next take a rear wheel off and check depth of brake lining. If you cannot get this adjustment then the cable has stretched to far,or the rear shoes will need replacing.

I'd go the whole hog. Apparently it's widely held that the VW drum brake auto-adjusters rarely work properly so I would make adjustments there. Start by loosening wheel nuts on rear wheels, then jack and put rear of the car on axle stands and chock the front wheels. Remove wheels and slacken off handbrake adjuster. Remove drums (I think on the Fabia it's held with a screw rather than the bearing assembly) here's a good time to check the thickness of the shoes. See this post to adjust the shoes properly http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/45940-felicia-favfelfaboct-drum-brakes/ so that you can just about get the drum back on. Then adjust the handbrake adjuster properly (you also have the wheels in the air to check each wheel).

Edited 20 July, 201015 yr by anewman

I'd go the whole hog. Apparently it's widely held that the VW drum brake auto-adjusters rarely work properly so I would make adjustments there. Start by loosening wheel nuts on rear wheels, then jack and put rear of the car on axle stands and chock the front wheels. Remove wheels and slacken off handbrake adjuster. Remove drums (I think on the Fabia it's held with a screw rather than the bearing assembly) here's a good time to check the thickness of the shoes. See this post to adjust the shoes properly http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/45940-felicia-favfelfaboct-drum-brakes/ so that you can just about get the drum back on. Then adjust the handbrake adjuster properly (you also have the wheels in the air to check each wheel).

Rear Drums are held with screw - and it does tend to work loose ( least mine has ,couple of times on one side). Kevin - I've got 61k on mine on original rear shoes ( least I've never changed them since I got car at 14k,,but suspect from handbrake travel that it's getting close). Changed fronts at 51k -again service at 20k suggested pads were not original .

I'd think that you will need to get the shoes off and establish if the actuating levers and auto adjusters are free to move and so function. Clean this complete assembly of stuff underneath the drums up and maybe use a touch of copperslip at any contact points. If you can not make the actuating levers free to move then maybe its time to replace the shoes and fitting kit. When these levers start to seize, they leave the shoes in contact with the drums and this wears out the shoes and if the auto adjusters can not do their job the handbrake lever "ON" level does start to rise.