Found the problem causing the squeak

this a common failure? The current pads weren't

says it all really

Common failure on pads that haven't been changed for a good few years, or pads that have been toasted. It's most likely to happen on rear brakes, due them not doing much work. So they're far more likely to seize and stick in the calipers, resulting in them binding slightly.

I've seen genuine and aftermarket pads do it.

And having just re-read the original post, I take it you mean brake shoes, given you took the drum off? In which case they all have a tendancy to fall off over time, but does seem to be a worse issue for Ford than other manufacturers. Just think yourself lucky that the bit that broke off didn't cause the rear wheel to lock-up.

Last changed December 2004 I think. I don't think they were binding. They're certainly not binding now (and I haven't fixed it yet).

Yes, I meant shoes.

Indeed.

Peter.

OK, I feel a bit stupid now, I just consulted Mr. Haynes and in the pictures the friction material on the leading shoe is also missing at the top (but not on the trailing shoe)! So I looked for a picture of a new Fiesta shoe:

WTF is the friction material missing from the top bit of the leading pad????? Guess I'll have a rethink.

No really, I was just testing you lot :)

Peter.

I didn't even think about that. The square cut edge is normally the give away ;-)

It's an easy way of reducing the brake performance. The leading show does most of the work, and the nearer the lining is to the top of the shoe, the more self energising braking you get. Move the top of the lining down, you get less self energising, and a more progressive brake (ie it doesn't snatch)

Yeah Yeah.

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Yes it looked like it had broken off but broken off squarely, i.e. it was square but the edge was rough ;)

Oh OK, makes sense I guess.

:)

Peter.

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