Parts for your 2014 Holden Barina-Brake shoes

2014 Holden Barina brake shoes — what they do, and when to replace them

Technical references from the Holden TM Barina Service Manual (GM Service Information for the T300 platform) and the Holden Electronic Parts Catalogue (TM, 2011–2016, Rear Brake section) show that most 2014 Barina variants (e.g., CD, CDX) use rear drum brakes with brake shoes. The Barina RS, however, is factory-fitted with rear disc brakes and therefore does not use brake shoes. So, for non‑RS 2014 Barinas across Australia and New Zealand, brake shoes are a relevant service item, for the RS, they’re not applicable.

On Barina models with drum rears, brake shoes are the curved friction linings that press outwards against the inside of the drum to slow the car. They’re tough, reliable, and double as the parking brake mechanism. Because the drums are enclosed, shoes often last longer than front pads, but they still wear with kilometres and can glaze, crack, or get contaminated by brake fluid or grease.

As part of routine servicing, shoes should be inspected for lining thickness, even wear, glazing, and contamination. Drums should be checked for scoring and measured for diameter against the service limit in the workshop specs. The self‑adjusters and handbrake cables also need a look so pedal feel and handbrake bite stay consistent.

• Common signs it’s time for new shoes: longer stopping distances, a high or spongy pedal, weak handbrake hold on hills, scraping or grinding from the rear, or rear brakes locking too easily in the wet.
• Typical service practice is to replace shoes in axle sets (both sides), clean and lubricate the shoe contact points and adjusters, and machine or replace drums if they’re out of spec.

After fitting, bed the shoes in gently over the first few hundred kilometres: avoid heavy, repeated stops so the linings can mate to the drums. If the handbrake travel is excessive, have the cable and shoe adjustment set correctly. It’s also smart to flush brake fluid at the recommended interval, moisture in old fluid can hurt braking performance and corrode components.

If the car is a Barina RS, none of this applies to the rear—there are no brake shoes fitted. The RS runs rear discs with a caliper‑integrated handbrake, so maintenance focuses on pads, discs, sliders, and the parking brake mechanism in the caliper.

Popular questions

Does the 2014 Barina RS have brake shoes?
No. The RS is equipped with rear disc brakes and a caliper‑integrated parking brake, so there are no rear brake shoes to service. Non‑RS 2014 Barina models use rear drum brakes with shoes.

How long do rear brake shoes last on a 2014 Barina?
It varies with driving, but many see 60,000–120,000 km. Frequent stop‑start city use or carrying loads can shorten life. Regular inspections will catch wear or glazing before performance drops.

Can the shoes be replaced without new drums?
Yes, if drum diameter and condition are within spec. Lightly machining a serviceable drum is common. If a drum is scored, heat‑cracked, or beyond its maximum diameter, replace it.