Any tips on replacing handbrake shoes
 

My 54 plate Tourer has passed another MOT :}:}:}:}:}:} with just an advisory on handbrake efficiency (done the cable compensator long ago), I suspect the shoes need changing, any tips before I embark on the task of changing them ? Thanks Vaughan

Probably just need a good clean out - corrosion builds up over time on the inside of the drum. With the discs off you can check for any cracks in the shoe lining, and if you find any then replace them.

Worth checking for corrosion of the back plates, if left unchecked the magnetic reluctors can get damaged and the ABS light will come on.

Also worth checking corrosion of the surface of the brake drum, if to bad no amount of adjusting will get you a good handbrake.
When you have the handbrake apart pull the cable from the back plate, grease where it goes into the back plate and refit.

macafee2

Undo the adjusters before attempting to remove the disc housing otherwise you will rip open the back plate holes where the shoe retainers engage.

Only fit the manufacturer’s specified handbrake shoes which were TRW. I struggled for years with a stainless steel compensator and other makes of shoes including Pagid and I was constantly adjusting the shoes to get some slight grip to just scrape through the MOT. A recommendation from Jules about the TRW shoes having the correct coefficient of friction and my handbrake can almost put my face through the windscreen now and the handbrake lever has a bit of ‘spring’ to it and proves how good the compensator mod is.

Great tips
 

Thanks to all for these great tips :-)

I had previously long ago bought these, but after your comments I will order some TRW ? at least I can use the fitting kit maybe
[IMG]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...39f791fddb.jpgB2 by Mangizmo Brean, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...67c45494da.jpgB1 by Mangizmo Brean, on Flickr[/IMG]

Just ordered these TRW shoes as recommended thanks :-)
 

Whilst you have the drums and shoes off, apply a small amount of grease to every point at which metal moves on metal.

Here's a pic for when you fit it all back together again.