COMMON PROBLEMS WITH DRUM BRAKES
AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
When brake shoes are left to wear down to the metal backing, the drum is
damaged to the point that it can’t be resurfaced. Have the shoes replaced before
the drums are destroyed. Drum replacement will eat a hole in your pocketbook.
When the rubber dust boot of the wheel cylinder tears, rust and dirt sets up
inside the wheel cylinder bore. When this happens, the pistons seize and the
seals leak. The brakes won’t work as well because of the loss of brake fluid.
Have your brakes checked when you have your tires rotated every 6,000 miles or
every other oil change. The technician will be able to see if a dust boot is torn.
Finally, keep an eye on the emergency brake cables. They can cause problems
when rust sets in and the cables freeze up in the applied position.