Drum Brake Cleaning During Routine Maint

[Sequoiasoon]

On the Corolla I got 90k out of front pads and 110k from rear shoes. What got me to investigate more was that the parking brake wouldn't hold tight anymore. Choice was tighten cable OR see what is really happening. I inspected all at least 2x/year when changing to snows.

The related, my wifes old Ford Exploder would eat front pads every 12k. She got the rotors so hot they actually cracked one day. When I repaired it I wanted to check rears drums/shoes and couldn't get them off. The shoes wore a ridge into drums so you had to loosen star wheel all the way to retract the shoes. New drums/rotors/pads/shoes and 20k+ was front pad life.

The only part for "self" adjustment on the drums on hers iirc was the parking/emergency brake. Since it was an automatic, how many people actually use that when all the places they park are on flat ground (driveways/parking lots/garage)? Every time I drove it I used it then just so they would stay adjusted which seemed to work well.

 

[JZiggy]

Wheel cyl leaks can also be spotted as it leaves a trail on the inside wall of the tire, no need to disassemble to find it.

 

[bradepb]

Most shop manuals will tell you not to disturb the wheel cylinder boots when inspecting brakes. I usually do anyway.

But pulling your rear drums every oil change? Totally useless.

 

[eljefino]

Seems like a waste of VOCs hosing down the brakes twice a year. Yeah I know they say don't used compressed air; here's your chance to get a cool looking respirator.

There may still be asbestos in brake linings. They tried getting rid of it in 1988 but it didn't work out so in 1989 they allowed it again.

Interesting factoid, in Pennsylvania the back of the inspection sticker has a spot for the mechanic to note which front wheel and which rear they pulled for a brake inspection. The other year requires the other side to get checked.

 

[Ken2]

Quote:
The only part for "self" adjustment on the drums on hers iirc was the parking/emergency brake. Since it was an automatic, how many people actually use that when all the places they park are on flat ground (driveways/parking lots/garage)? Every time I drove it I used it then just so they would stay adjusted which seemed to work well.
Important point. My Tundra adjusts the rear drum brakes when the parking brake is applied. And, as always, if you don't use it, you'll lose it.

I inspect all four brakes each fall and spring when I change the snow tires, but otherwise once a year should be OK. I just shake out the brake dust, observe the friction material thickness and that all seem to be wearing evenly (no wear is a sign that they aren't working), look for fluid leaks, and pull on the parking brake cable to watch the adjusters work.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: eljefino


There may still be asbestos in brake linings. They tried getting rid of it in 1988 but it didn't work out so in 1989 they allowed it again.


+1 I think they were calling them organic brake pads and linings for a while to avoid the word asbestos. Organic could mean it may or may not contain asbestos.

 

[TFB1]

I don't remember ever cleaning drum brakes unless there was a leak and/or was replacing the shoes, cylinder, etc... If everything looks OK, I dump the dust and slap the drum back in place...

 

[JethroBodine]

I clean them with brakleen when doing a reline on the fronts. So, once every 60-70,000 miles.