Hi, while checking my 2002 Fiesta I noticed that there are two crescent shaped pieces of quite dense metal fitted one on each side of the inner side of the brake backplate. One was actually hanging halfway off and one was loose. They appear to have originally been bonded on to the backplate. Any idea what these are and what function they perform? Thanks.

I am not familiar with what it looks like there. could it be you prise them out to inspect the edge of the brake linings to see how worn they are

Hi, Thanks for your reply. No, there are the plugs that can be removed to check the brake shoes but these look like they should be fixed permanently to the back plate (and aren't!). On the plus side, the brakes seem to operate OK without them.

Its been quite a while since I had to do any work with drum brakes but I think the parts you are on about, if they central on the edge behind the shoes, are to stop the brake shoes from flopping back and rubbing against the back plate.so they need to be there.

Thanks, that has a ring of possibility about it! After all, there must be a reason for them and their location is just as you say, about right for the shoes. Just got to figure out how to fix them back on now!