Parts for your 2017 Nissan Serena-Brake shoes

2017 Nissan Serena brake shoes — what they do and when to replace them

Brake shoes are relevant to the 2017 Nissan Serena. Nissan’s technical literature for the C27 series confirms it: the Serena Owner’s Manual (C27, Specifications/Technical Information), the C27 Service Manual (Brake/BR section), and the Nissan Electronic Parts Catalogue for C27 list rear drum brakes and a rear brake shoe kit on mainstream 2017 models, with some variants also using shoe linings for the parking brake in a drum-in-hat setup. That establishes that the 2017 Serena is fitted with brake shoes and they’re a normal service item.

On this Serena, the rear brake shoes sit inside the brake drum and press outward to slow the vehicle, teaming up with the front discs to keep things tidy under brakes. They also provide strong holding power for the parking brake, which is handy on hills and during WOF or rego checks. Many Serena variants (including e-POWER) rely on rear drums because they’re robust, well-sealed from road grime, and play nicely with regenerative braking that shifts most stopping work to the front and the motor.

As part of routine servicing, the rear shoes should be inspected for lining thickness, glazing, cracking and even wear. A good rule of thumb is to check them at least every 20,000 km or annually, and replace when the friction lining is getting thin (around the low single millimetres, per Nissan’s spec) or if there’s any oil contamination from a weeping wheel cylinder. Don’t forget the drum: if it’s scored or out-of-round, measure it and machine lightly within the service limit or replace it.

• Common signs it’s time: longer pedal travel, poor handbrake holding on a hill, scraping or squealing noises, pulsing through the pedal, or visible fluid at the rear backing plate.
• On e-POWER models, light rear use can glaze the shoes, an occasional firm stop from moderate speed helps keep them clean.

When replacing, always do both sides together. Renew the springs, hold-downs and adjuster hardware, clean dust with a vacuum (not compressed air), and check the wheel cylinders. After refitting, adjust the shoes so the drum just brushes, set the handbrake cable correctly, and bed-in the new linings with gentle stops over the first 200–300 km. Final touch: torque the wheel nuts properly and recheck the handbrake after a week of normal driving.

How long do the rear brake shoes last on a 2017 Serena?

It varies with driving, load and terrain. Many owners see 50,000–120,000 km. Regenerative braking on some models can extend life, but regular inspections (every 20,000 km or yearly) are still smart to catch glazing or uneven wear early.

Do the drums need machining or replacing with new shoes?

Measure the drum interior diameter. If it’s within the service limit and only lightly scored, a light machine or deglaze is fine. If it’s beyond the maximum diameter or badly worn, replace the drum. Always renew the shoe hardware and adjusters at the same time.

Why is the parking brake weak after new shoes?

Fresh shoes need correct shoe-to-drum adjustment and a proper handbrake cable set-up. They also require a short bed-in period. If it still feels soft, the self-adjuster may need attention or the cable could require a final tweak.