Checking Drums and Shoes

[RacingGreen0001]

Hi All,

I have been told that my drums and shoes need to be replaced on my vehicle, VW Polo (57). An independent garage is doing the job for £240 (inclusive of VAT) incl. brake fluid flush and change

How do I make sure they have definitely changed the drums and shoes? The drum I can obviously see from outside - but the shoes I can't see. Does the amount of handbrake travel indicate that the shoes have been changed? Is the price of £240 reasonable?

I hate to be so cynical - I've just read to many horror stories on garages not actually completing work! I would like to add - they (the garage) have been very courteous to me so far!

Thanks,

RG

Edited by RacingGreen0001 on Tuesday 19th September 17:03

[RacingGreen0001]

DuraAce said:

Chances are everything will be above board.

I think you're right - fretting for no obvious reason!

[RacingGreen0001]

Emanresu said:

If you're really worried, open everything up and put a little dab of tippex in everything that only you will know about. If you're not capable of opening everything up, just put a little dab in the drums and and least you'll know that part was changed.

Unfortunately, the garage already had the car at the time. But this is a good tip for next time.

HustleRussell said:

You might just have to take their word for it on the shoes, the hub nut will be done up very tight and may be a special shape and / or single use.

I am perplexed about why a '57 plate Polo would need new brake drums? Shoes, yes- but drums? presumably this means they are fitting new bearings too?

The garage said the drums along with the shoes had been worn out. Apparently they took pictures so I'll review these when I get them.

[RacingGreen0001]

Are the rear brakes also used for driving ? or just parking i.e handbrake?

[RacingGreen0001]

DuraAce said:

Both! Good lord.

I don't know if I can show my face here after my question.

[RacingGreen0001]

Depthhoar said:

Had to have both the rear drums and shoes replaced on my 2010 1.2 (70PS) Polo at 70k miles.

Edited by Depthhoar on Tuesday 19th September 20:25

This is quite interesting - as I've just hit 70k

paintman said:

The ONLY way to be sure of anything is to do it yourself.

Is this the issue you're on about in your other thread?
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

It is indeed.

[RacingGreen0001]

Final update

All, thanks very much for all of this advice, it is very much appreciated.

So I picked the car up, drums were very shiny so quite new. The mechanic kept the 2 old shoes to show me (couldn't see the other two!).

All in all I'm very happy with the job.

I've learnt it's important not to be so cynical sometimes, as I was. All the indicators were there that this was a trustworthy mechanic, and I should have accepted that.

Thanks again all!