Cleaning the rear brakes... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Edmond · 03-18-2003, 03:26 PM

How often do you have to clean the rear brakes? I mean, on full floating axles this is not an easy thing to do...
Why do I want to know you may wonder...Well since a few days I have this sound coming from one of the rear drums when I'm applying the brakes. It's this high whistleling sound.
After asking around they told me this was because there's dirt in there.
I have changed the brakes shoes two years ago, they can't be worn already?

Any one of you have any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Cya,
Edmond

wnc mountain · 03-18-2003, 03:41 PM

It is possible to wear them down in a couple year if you do a lot of stop and go driving. check them out and see what they look like. if they are ok, there is some brake cleaner you can find at automotive stores. this stuff comes in a spray can most of the time.

Stout72 · 03-18-2003, 07:28 PM

Depending on a few factors (like your driving habits and the condition of your drums the last time the brake shoes were changed), it's quite possible your shoes are worn and you're riding the rivets. Only way you'll know is to pop the drums off.

It can be a pain on full floaters IF your drums are pressed onto the lug studs (like mine WERE). My brakes were shot and the rear drums were wasted. I scrapped the whole rear hub-drum assembly, mounted used-but-good hubs, new bearings, and bought new drums that would just slide over the lug studs without pressing, being centered with the hub with two large flat-head screws. Gonna make for an easier time with brake work in the future, not having to fool with the hubs and bearings. If your drums are pressed onto the lug studs, you gotta go at it the hard way.

If you find your drums beyond use, consider going this route.

Edmond · 03-19-2003, 12:07 PM

Thanks, maybe that is the best option to go with...

Cya,
Edmond

bobs409 · 03-20-2003, 09:47 AM

You could wear out back brakes real quick if you have a hanging emergency brake cable.

I like to clean and adjust my brakes about twice a year. (but im a fanatic! LOL)

03-18-2003, 03:26 PM	#1
Edmond Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,062	Cleaning the rear brakes... How often do you have to clean the rear brakes? I mean, on full floating axles this is not an easy thing to do... Why do I want to know you may wonder...Well since a few days I have this sound coming from one of the rear drums when I'm applying the brakes. It's this high whistleling sound. After asking around they told me this was because there's dirt in there. I have changed the brakes shoes two years ago, they can't be worn already? Any one of you have any ideas? Thanks in advance. Cya, Edmond __________________ 1971 Chevy C/20 Longhorn, 350/TH400, Edelbrock Performer, IMPCO 425 LPG Carb 1974 Chevy Camaro Z28 (Original) ------------------------- Capelle a/d IJssel, The Netherlands

03-18-2003, 03:41 PM	#2
wnc mountain More hobbies than money! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Raleigh, nc, usa Posts: 655	It is possible to wear them down in a couple year if you do a lot of stop and go driving. check them out and see what they look like. if they are ok, there is some brake cleaner you can find at automotive stores. this stuff comes in a spray can most of the time. __________________ '70 cst10/swb 350, 3 on the tree, factory buckets. '70 GMC lwb 350/350 ps,pb '72 c-10 lwb 350/350 a/c, ps, pb '72 Blazer project

03-18-2003, 07:28 PM	#3
Stout72 Not my good side. Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Fairfield, California Posts: 222	Depending on a few factors (like your driving habits and the condition of your drums the last time the brake shoes were changed), it's quite possible your shoes are worn and you're riding the rivets. Only way you'll know is to pop the drums off. It can be a pain on full floaters IF your drums are pressed onto the lug studs (like mine WERE). My brakes were shot and the rear drums were wasted. I scrapped the whole rear hub-drum assembly, mounted used-but-good hubs, new bearings, and bought new drums that would just slide over the lug studs without pressing, being centered with the hub with two large flat-head screws. Gonna make for an easier time with brake work in the future, not having to fool with the hubs and bearings. If your drums are pressed onto the lug studs, you gotta go at it the hard way. If you find your drums beyond use, consider going this route. __________________ 72 Chevy K20 Custom Camper, 350/350, 4" lift, dual shock suspension front & rear. Daily driver and a work in progress. 00 Suburban LT 90 Camaro RS 79 Yamaha XS1100 Special (Ol' Reliable)

03-19-2003, 12:07 PM	#4
Edmond Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,062	Thanks, maybe that is the best option to go with... Cya, Edmond __________________ 1971 Chevy C/20 Longhorn, 350/TH400, Edelbrock Performer, IMPCO 425 LPG Carb 1974 Chevy Camaro Z28 (Original) ------------------------- Capelle a/d IJssel, The Netherlands

03-20-2003, 09:47 AM	#5
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	You could wear out back brakes real quick if you have a hanging emergency brake cable. I like to clean and adjust my brakes about twice a year. (but im a fanatic! LOL) __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10



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