Volkswagen Passat (1988 - 1997) - 1991 - rear brake drum back plate problem

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Fri 28 Sep 2007 11:27
1991 - rear brake drum back plate problem - oldpassat
I have a 1991 VW Passat which just failed its ITV (MOT here in Spain) because of low reading for rear left brake and handbrake. The brake drum seems fine although a bit pitted (meaning maybe it hasn't been functioning properly for a while). The brake shoes are only slightly worn. I haven't found any dust, debris or other contaminants. The only sign of possible problem is with the round brass inserts that the shoes rest on which are found on the back plate. The ones towards the top appear to have been slotted by wear from the brake shoes. Could this be my problem?

Does anybody out there have any ideas or suggestions. I'm looking for a solution that I can do myself without blowing the bank on new parts. I also need help as soon as possible.

Cheers
s
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 28 Sep 2007 11:34
rear brake drum back plate problem - bell boy
hold both shoes with large screwdrivers while assistant carefully puts foot on footbrake (one side at a time with other drum still on) this will tell you if the wheel cylinder is seized,then do the same with the handbrake
you will likeliest find something seized up
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 28 Sep 2007 12:02
rear brake drum back plate problem - Peter D
These are twin piration slaves and you should be able to move the shoes across sie to side to both pistons are moving. Clean the auto adjusters and blow out any dust, mask required. Regards Peter
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Our honest used car pricing is a little bit different to all the others. You can get to our values through make or model - you don’t have to follow a prescribed route. Plus, it’s live, which means we can react to changes in the market quicker than any printed price guide.

Honest Used Car Prices

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....