Rear Brakes Question

K, the rear brakes on my mk2 punto need new shoes or pads, Im not sure what the difference is, I looked up brake shoes on ebay and they look the same as the ones on my mk2 in the way theres no rubber on them, is it something else I need? or do new brake shoes have rubber on them?

they will be called rear brake shoes and there is no rubber on brakes. the shoes are like 2 curved pieces of metal with a breaking substance on the outside not sure what they make that out of now used to be asbestos.

pads are for disc breaks like on the front shoes are for drum breaks like on the back. they are made of same stough just different shape and work in slightly different way

ah k, so how do you tell if they are too worn?

Generally you look at how much is left on them. They are usually two-tone and once the top layer has almost worn down it's time to change. Once the top layer has completely worn down you start getting the screeching and it's definitely time to change ASAP

Hello Chris0288,

Without wishng to sound rude or patronising your question makes me think that you don't know too much about car mechanics.

In the first instance i would pop along to a local Budget, ATS, Kwikfix, etc where they should offer a free Brake safety check. Ask the mechanic if you can have a look at what he is doing for your own interest. Investing £15 in a Haynes manual for your car from Halfords will also give a good insight an how your cars different systems work, as the give a general description at the start of each chapter.

I am an experienced mechanic doing most of my own Car work and also working as a full time Aircraft Technician. Mistakes can be made though ( and lessons learnt !) . I changed my front Brake Disks and Pads last week the night before my MOT was due and because i was in a rush ( Getting dark & raining , but no excuse !) i accidentally mis routed the flexible brake pipe on one side after it had dropped out of its holder. The pipe rubbed on the disk and required replacement during its MOT inspection the next day, luckily The MOT inspector was 'on the ball' and very thorough as it mostly my wife and children who drive this particular car most of the time.

Be warned if you are not sure ask, or get somebody else to do it for you, even if you are experienced check, double check , then check again - as sh!t happens !

Hope this helps.

Edited cuz I is thick

wasnt that fiat changed the brake pads without removing the wheel

you can see if coop pads are worn through the holes in the wheel

Ah you're right it was I shall amend my post.........

yeah Im only 17, not too sure about the mechanics of the car yet but Ill get there, just automaticly thought brakes=rubber, clearly not .

nope rubber on bikes but not cars.

and for info most places will charge you to check yoru rear breaks. front break check is free but rears they have to take wheels off and drums to look so places like ats are supposed to charge if you geta nice mechanic there its a different matter