FRONT BRAKE SHOES

Some early Mk I models are fitted with leading and trailing shoe type front brakes, instead of the twin leading shoe type used on subsequent models . These early type front brakes are similar to the rear brakes described later in this section and reference should be made for details of brake shoe replacement. The procedure below applies specifically to the twinleading shoe type brakes. Replacement 1. With the front of the car jacked up and safely supported on stands, remove the road wheels. 2. Slacken off the brake shoes adjusters. Remove the two brake drum securing screws and withdraw the brake drum. 3. Where shoe steady spring are fitted at the wheel cylinder end of the brake shoes, release the springs from the wheel cylinder pistons. These may be omitted on some models. 4. Lever the leading edges of the brakes shoes away from the wheel cylinders, and the trailing edges away from the brake shoe adjusters and remove both brake shoes together with their return springs . 5. Fit an elastic band or suitable clamp over the wheel cylinders to retain their pistons in position. 6. Clean out the brake drum and backplate using a soft brush. Check for any signs of oil, grease or brake fluid contamination. If any of these are present, the cause must be established and dealt with before fitting new brake shoes. Grease or oil can be cleaned off with petrol or paraffin; brake fluid should be removed using methylated spirits. 7. Check that the brake shoe adjusters turn freely in the backplate. Apply a small amount of suitable grease to the adjuster spindles, the support points on the tips of the neck brake shoes, and sparingly to the brake shoe support pads on the backplate. 8. Remove the elastic band or clamp from each wheel cylinder. Assemble the return springs to the new brake shoes, ensuring that they are engaged in the correct holes in the shoe webs . Also ensure that the shoes are correctly positioned. 9. Lever the shoes into position in the adjusters and the wheel cylinders, then fit the shoe steady springs, where applicable. 10. When correctly located, the shoes should be positioned with the toe (end at which the greatest portion of web platform is exposed) engaged in the wheel cylinder piston. 11. Check that both shoes are correctly seated, and that the brake adjusters are in the fully released position, then install the brake drum. 12. Finally, adjust the brake shoes as detailed in the ROUTINE MAINTENANCE section.