How to check for wear on drum brake?

[guitarinchris]

Hey everyone,

I thought I might find the answer easily online and tried searching but maybe I'm just using awful keywords...

My '87 Yamaha Virago 535 has a rear drum brake and I'm trying to check it for wear. The Clymer manual I'm using doesn't say how to check for wear, but just how to disassemble/reassemble it. I noticed on the right side of the drum there is an arrow and a small gauge. The arrow is nearly to the edge of the right side of this gauge, but the gauge isn't labelled so I'm not sure if that means I have loads of brake left or very little.

The brake seems to work fine and doesn't cause any squeaking when used, but I'd like to know if it's nearing replacement time or not since I'm doing the front disc pads soon.

Thanks!

[MirrorrorriM]

Watch the needle as you apply the rear brake. The needle should move. It should not go past the opposite indicator mark. As long as the needle stays between the two marks, you have adequate material left on the brakes.

[guitarinchris]

great tip! Thanks!