Rear brake shoe handbrake lever loose

[MidLifeCrisis]

The nearside rear wheel was 'creaking' when the handbrake was on - most noticeable when getting in and out of the van (and the handbrake on that side seemed to be holding very weakly).

I suspected worn shoes but on inspection they seem to be fine (~4.5mm)


But when I actioned the handbrake I noticed that the lever on the rear brake shoe that the handbrake cable actions is very loose on its mount - check out the video below ....

http://youtu.be/tmVly4eRzNA

Could this be the problem .... ???
Do new shoes have a new handbrake lever or is it transferred across onto the new shoes (I can't see how the pivot pin attaches )??

[CJH]

New shoes do come with a new lever. I've just checked my old shoes, and although there's a tiny amount of play on that pivot it's nothing like the amount in your video. I don't know how much of a problem that play would be in practice, but certainly new shoes should get rid of it.

[MidLifeCrisis]

I don't know how much of a problem that play would be in practice, but certainly new shoes should get rid of it.

Thanks for checking - yes, I can't quite see how it would effect operation but perhaps with that amount of play then the handbrake cable travel isn't enough to engage the shoe properly ........ and now I've seen it I feel obliged to fix it incase it gives way completely!

Follow on question - I assume I should change out both rear wheel shoes at the same time ?

[itchyfeet]

Yeh thats not right, new shoes needed i think, probably the auto adjuster on thaf side is not working with that play
yes shoes come in pairs swap both

[Verne]

Rule of thumb for changing things on a vehicle, if it's worn on one side, the other side isn't going to be far behind.

Brakes, shock absorbers and springs should all be changed across the axle.