I wanted to check how my rear brakes were doing so I pull out the little rubber piece on the back side to inspect them. The problem is that I really don't know what I am looking at. Can someone either descibe what part is the brake shoe or show a picture. Thanks for the help.

 

if im thinking what you are describing thats the bleed valve, try taking it off again and have someone press the brakes, you should get a nice stream of brake fluid come out. thats how you get any air out if you do brake work.


ohh yea, dont forget to top off your brake fluid resevoir under the hood if you do that

 

Don't bleed your brakes for no reason at all! You need someone to help you and you can mess up your brakes badly. I believe he is talking about checking the thickness of the pads. The easiest was to do this properly is to pull off your wheel, remove the drum and look at them that way. The drum may be hard to get off, especially if you haven't had them off for a while. You'll be amazed at how much crap builds up in there since there's no where for brake dust and mud to go. Mine worked alot better after I cleaned them all up thoroughly.

 

there are 2 12mm screw holes to help you pull it off. If you insert bolts in there and tighten down it will push the drum off for you.