Expert: Mike Evans - 1/23/2010

Question
I have a 1996 ford contour, 4 cylinder, automatic. I need to know what size rear brake shoes I need. I don't know if it is the 8" or 9" shoes.  

Answer
    This may not be what you want to hear, but you are going to have to take the drum off to find out.  They used to cast the size of the drum into the outside, where it could be seen after removing a wheel.  But they don't do that much anymore, the measurement is usually cast or stamped on the inside of the drum.  And, with all the dirt inside the drum, it is usually hard to read.  Just pull the drum off and lay a ruler across the inside diameter.  That will tell you the size and you can go buy the shoes.