Brake Drums

BUBBAGUMP*1

MEMBER
2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
101,400 MILES

2001 Chevy Express G1500 van. New drums, shoes, wheel cylinder, spring kit. Ran great for a couple weeks, now they are starting to squeal. Adjusted shoes until they would drag and then backed off until there was no drag. Drums, shoes, and kit are the top of the line from NAPA, and are to be O.E. Spec's. Not sure what to do next. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

7 Replies

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,757 POSTS

Is the noise coming from the rear shoes or possibly from the front pads?

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Saturday, December 11th, 2010 AT 1:29 AM

BUBBAGUMP*1

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The back, I walked along side of the van as my wife drove it. When she slowly applied the brakes I heard the noise come from the back. It sounds like an 18 wheeler when it comes to a stop.

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Saturday, December 11th, 2010 AT 8:18 PM

WRENCHTECH

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The most likely cause is some kind of contamination in the brake shoes. Any leaks or greasy fingerprints on the shoes can lead to that. It's usually caused by glazing of the brake drum surface but I don't see how that would be possible with new drums.

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Saturday, December 11th, 2010 AT 10:32 PM

BUBBAGUMP*1

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I backed off on the auto adjusters today. I sprayed everything down with brake cleaner. I guess I'll have to wait and see what happens. Thanks for getting back to me so fast with ideas.

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Sunday, December 12th, 2010 AT 12:24 AM

WRENCHTECH

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20,757 POSTS

The BrakeKleen may not be enough. It would be a good idea to use a grinding disc and use it to rough up the lining by hand. Just take all the shine away.