I took my car for an MOT today and the tester called me over and showed me some fluid that was leaking onto the inside of the rear wheel (see image), from what he thought was likely the brake cylinder. He said this should be rectified by changing the rear shoes (not sure if he knew what he was on about) but I'm wondering if it was indicative of further issues.

 

I have seen you can buy full brake shoe kits by Pagid online and am contemplating buying this and doing a full replacement of all components, including drum if need be. Is changing the cylinder simple enough? I assume some kind of clamp is needed to stop brake fluid going everywhere. The other option I assume is to just buy new shoes and use the original springs etc. and reassemble.

 

I am a farily handy but a bit of a novice when it comes to cars so any advice appreciated.

IMG_8259.HEIC

Changing the rear wheel cylinder is simple enough. Not so simple if you've never worked on brakes before, have you not got anyone who can help you that has ?

If it was me I'd take off the reservoir lid and put some cling film over and screw the lid back on. That makes less fluid leak later.

Then swapping the cylinder itself is normally just a bolts thing and the brake line.

I'd be replacing shoes as could be oil contaminated and giving the drum a good clean up. That probably means replacing both axles.

Then finally remove cling film and bleed the brake line.

Very basic points there, I couldn't open your photo and I've never done the task on a Fabia, but have on other manufacturers. Expect it to be similar.

I'd maintain if your unsure then try to get help, but we all learnt somehow. For me it was 30 years ago on a Hillman Imp without even YouTube for help.

@Geoff_Linton More or less as @aubrey says above, with the note that I would go to another garage because the tester was talking male bovine faeces. The components you need to change are the rear wheel cylinders. You may also need to use brake cleaner on the drums and backplates and may also need to change the brake shoes, but I can't comment further because I can't open HEIC files.

Thanks a lot. I do have an ex-mechanic friend who can help but I pester him all the time with car problems so was going to attempt myself. I've seen enough videos to understand what is required and have access to most of the tools I will need via work.

 

I have reuploaded the photo as a jpeg, all it shows is the fluid leak and the absolute state of my rear drum.

 

@aubreyWhen you say replacing both axles do you just mean replacing everything in pairs? Ie nearside and offside. The full rear brake shoe kit from Pagid is looking like it makes sense at £85 as it includes two of everything.

@Geoff_Linton - Ok modified version of my post above.

 

You certainly need to change that wheel cylinder, and use brake cleaner on that drum and back plate. You may well need to change the other wheel cylinder too if it's leaking and clean the drum and wheel cylinder on that side.

If there is any suggestion of fluid contamination on any of the brake linings, best practice is to change all 4 shoes.

Yes, I do mean replacing both sides brake shoes. As you say they come as a set for both sides anyway. Not really necessary to replace both sides wheel cylinders unless when you have a look at the other side you notice any under rubber leaking.

But yes the shoes, best to keep wear balanced so change as an axel set.

Understood. I’m going to order the full set and change it all as soon as a I get a chance. Thanks again both of you for your input, it is much appreciated! 

Just remember to loosen your handbrake tensioner all the way down first and a little tip when your going to reinstall use a big zip tie to fully keep pressed in the wheel cylinder when reinstalling shoes take it off once you've set everything in place.