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Brake and Bearings Issue; Rear Drums and Bearings
Topic Started: Jun 15 2015, 10:12 PM (645 Views)
mt999999
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Hello all,

How can one easily tell when it's time to replace the rear drum brakes? I would much prefer to not worry about drum brakes, but I have notice a certain unpleasant grinding sound from the back while braking, especially going down hills. I don't want to damage the drums at all. I also notice that I really have to crank up the parking brake handle, to the point it is pretty well pointing at the rear view mirror, to make it hold the car in place.

I just had the front bearings, rotors, and pads replaced. I still occasionally notice a squeaking/rubbing/grinding-type uncomfortable sound, especially while driving slowly with the windows down, like as I pull into my driveway (even before I apply the brakes). The sound occasionally gets better/worse while going around turns, but I don't usually notice the sound. This all leads me to believe the one or both of the rear wheel bearings needs replaced, as well as the drum shoes. Might as well replace both bearings, because I'm sure they are both about equally as old.

I priced the shoes and hardware kit (springs, etc.) for both rear wheels at around $30 at Autozone today. Does this sound about right? What do the wheel bearings cost? I have heard that drum brakes are a pain, but how about the rear bearings? I have never replaced bearings or brakes before, but I am so sick of paying my mechanic. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

-Michael
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Woodie
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You're going to have to get it apart in order to see what it needs, unfortunately. If the grinding is just from worn out shoes then new shoes and a light turning of the drums might cover it. Handle pointing up usually means broken adjusters, don't know if they're available or not, you may need a junkyard.
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mt999999
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Woodie
Jun 16 2015, 04:50 AM
You're going to have to get it apart in order to see what it needs, unfortunately. If the grinding is just from worn out shoes then new shoes and a light turning of the drums might cover it. Handle pointing up usually means broken adjusters, don't know if they're available or not, you may need a junkyard.
How can one tell if the bearings are worn? Someone once told me to jack up the car and try wiggling the wheel, but I wasn't sure if that actually was a good way to tell or not.
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mt999999
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So I jacked up the back of the car today, and the rear wheels didn't really wobble. The passenger wheel spun with ease, but the driver's wheel rubbed and squeaked alot, and did not want to spin... I really had to force it to move. I assume it is the wheel bearing, right?
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RONNIEREDLINE
METRO MAD MAN

not really, it could be a dragging brake shoe, and/or a bad bearing.
its prob a dragging shoe or worn out etc...
the brakes can make it drag like a bad beraing
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mt999999
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RONNIEREDLINE
Jun 16 2015, 10:54 PM
not really, it could be a dragging brake shoe, and/or a bad bearing.
its prob a dragging shoe or worn out etc...
the brakes can make it drag like a bad beraing
Never thought of a dragging shoe. It feels like the brakes have been getting stuck alot, but after driving my car back to my mechanic, he assured me that both of the front brakes they installed were working properly and both wheel bearings were replaced. I never even considered the drums could have been the issue. The squealing/grinding while slowing down (even "gliding down" without the brakes) was getting awfully annoying. Might as well replace the bearings if I have take the drums apart, right? Advice would be awesome here. I think I know what my next project is...
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evmetro


I am with woodie on this one. I would take the drum off, and have a look, to get things started. Personally, I would just do the brakes and bearings and get it over with, but I know that not everybody is willing to part with a hundred bucks or more. If money is tight, taking it apart to see exactly what you need will be cheaper.
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Metbob


I third that, do it all if you can. I had a rear bearing go out on my 95 lsi ( not sure its the same). BUT got the brake shoes, axle nut, and bearings from Advanced Auto, bearings worked, shoes were to wide wouldn't fit, and the axle nut was to big. Open it up so you can compare what you have, and what they have. I didn't really need shoes, but I was in there.
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