OK to clean drum brakes with water?

[The Critic]

On drum brakes, I like to remove the drum and clean off the interior parts periodically to remove the excessive dust build-up.

My auto shop teacher in high school taught us to use water to do this, as it prevented dust from flying everywhere. It seemed like an especially good idea since brake cleaner could potentially remove lubrication from parts of the backing plate.

However, my concern is rust and "sludge" build up. If I put the drum back on and go for a drive, and the water does not dry out completely, wouldn't this cause major rust issues?

 

[JHZR2]

does not water get in there under normal driving?

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
does not water get in there under normal driving?

I would think for on-road driving, the amount would be minimal at most.

 

[brianl703]

The heat from normal braking will evaporate the water. Even if you just let it sit, it'll evaporate anyway--it's not as though it's hermetically sealed.

 

[KB2008X]

Yeah, water is OK. Anytime I work on drums, I always dump water to remove the brake dust from the shoes, springs, levers, adjuster, cylinder, etc. It's safer than air and cheaper than brake cleaner.

You're right to be concerned about rust and sludge build-up, however if you remove all of the dust there won't be anything left to become sludgey.

As for rust, use a paper towel to sop up any puddles then drive the vehicle asap, braking frequently, to build up heat in the drum brakes to chase the water out.

Do you use 40 grit to sand off the ridge at the drum edge ? That'll allow the drum to come off easier the next time.

Keith

 

[Silk]

Hot water is best, but water will do no harm - blow off with air and go for a drive. I have a brake cleaner we used to use in my shop - it is a spun metal housing with a gun trigger on the outside and a garden sprinkler on the inside. You put it against the backing plate (it has adapters for different sizes), pull the trigger and the sprinkler squirts jets of water all over the shoes, and water and gunge comes out a hole in the bottom into a container. I don't use it anymore because the only vehicles I see with drum rear brakes are pickups and this tool is made for smaller car brakes.

 

[Donald]

Whats the problem with air while wearing safety goggles?

 

[demarpaint]

I use brake clean, let it evaporate, and then water, I've been doing so for years. I'll only do it once or twice during the life of the brake linings though, it isn't something I do as routine maintenance. As far as compressed air, I'll pass. The less of that crrrap you breathe in the better. If you're worried about the water, don't, just drive through a deep puddle and imagine all the water that gets in that way.

 

[exranger06]

Originally Posted By: Donald
Whats the problem with air while wearing safety goggles?

Brake pads/shoes have asbestos in them. Brake dust particles is not something you want floating in the air where you can breathe it in.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Almost every pickup I've ever owned has been in DEEP water a few times.

Doesn't hurt a thing as long as you change the fluids and drive it awhile after. One thing we never did was mess with the brakes!

I thought that's what trucks were for.

 

[mechtech2]

We used water in a pump up sprayer to clean brake drum dust off the assembled parts. It works GREAT. Cheap, no chemicals, keeps dust down and cleans thing really well. Have a drain pan of some sort handy.