rear brake question

[Carl48]

Anybody know the purpose of the slot (plugged with a rubber plug) in the brake backing plate located just above and forward of where the park brake cable enters the backing plate ?
Does not seem to serve any obvious purpose or provide access to anything.
(This is not in reference to the upper slot provided for star wheel adjustment).

[rcktpwrd]

probably so the backing plate can be used on either side of the car. easier and cheaper to stamp out and extra hole or two then the make two different parts.

[My02RedRide]

Originally Posted by Carl48

Anybody know the purpose of the slot (plugged with a rubber plug) in the brake backing plate located just above and forward of where the park brake cable enters the backing plate ?
Does not seem to serve any obvious purpose or provide access to anything.
(This is not in reference to the upper slot provided for star wheel adjustment).

Like he said above...… the upper plug is for adjusting the brake shoes.

[rambojoe]

if it is next to a pad then its a inspection hole

[soonercruiser]

And....adjusting the parking brake!

[GotToGo]

Its for access to the star wheel to adjust the brakes (#2).

[Carl48]

Originally Posted by rambojoe

if it is next to a pad then its a inspection hole

OK, this may be the best answer.
The slot in question appears to be located behind the area on the leading shoe ( vehicle forward motion) where there would be the most friction and thus the most wear.

FWIW, upon closer inspection, the PT rear drum brake design appears to me to be of the leading-trailing (single leading shoe) non-servo type. Therefore, with the vehicle moving forward, the point of greatest wear would be on the front (leading) shoe just above the bottom anchor point. This is due to the self-energizing action of the shoe to drum contact and drum rotation. So, this would be the perfect place to provide an inspection hole.

Otherwise, thanks for all the replies. Note, however, in my original post it mentioned that the slot in question is NOT the upper slot used for star wheel access. Sorry if this was confusing.

[rambojoe]

what ever design it may be, the pt for some reason remains the best car for e-brake turns and drifting especially after it rains! (do I need to mention to newbies to keep your thumb on the release?)