What does it mean when your brakes are metal to metal?
“Metal to metal” describes brake pads or shoes that have worn through all of their friction material. This means that the metal backing of the pad or shoe rubs on the rotor or drum, which is also made of metal. Brakes that reach this extreme are not only dangerous but require an expensive repair.
What do you use to lubricate a drum brake?
Lubricate the various contact points with high-temperature brake grease. Lubricate the points where the brake shoes contact the backing plate. Apply grease to the shoe hold-down pins and the adjuster lever pivot point. Lubricate the threads on the adjuster star wheel.
Why does my drum brake make a noise when I brake?
Inspect the brake linings to see if they are worn out or damaged. If the lining is completely worn or has failed, then the metal backing on the shoe will contact the drum during braking, and a loud grinding or scraping noise will result. Check that the drum is not out-of-round and that all brake parts are secured in their proper positions.
What to do if you lose your drum brake pin?
If you have lost a hold-down spring, you’ll be able to see it missing from the back plate. Those are the little springs that go through the shoes on the lower side of each drum. If you see an open hole in one of those- then that’s where your spring came loose, and you lost the pin. A new drum brake hardware kit would solve the problem- about $10.
Lubricate the various contact points with high-temperature brake grease. Lubricate the points where the brake shoes contact the backing plate. Apply grease to the shoe hold-down pins and the adjuster lever pivot point. Lubricate the threads on the adjuster star wheel.
Why do drum brakes make a sharp noise?
If the drum is not round, then the brakes will vibrate, and a rapid throbbing sound will be heard. If the sound is more like a sharp, rapid chattering, then something in the brake assembly is likely loose.
How do you loosen a brake hub assembly?
If corrosion and rust have seized the drum onto the hub assembly, it can be loosened by firmly tapping the drum on the outside shoulder with a hammer or mallet. Do not hit the drum on the inside edge where the drum meets the backing plate and do not pry the drum against the backing plate. With the drum removed, the brake assembly is now visible.
If you have lost a hold-down spring, you’ll be able to see it missing from the back plate. Those are the little springs that go through the shoes on the lower side of each drum. If you see an open hole in one of those- then that’s where your spring came loose, and you lost the pin. A new drum brake hardware kit would solve the problem- about $10.