Question on Rear Drum Grinding Noise

[kmiller93]

Persistent short grinding noise from left drum brake not constant but in intervals. I drove home and by the time I got there the grinding noise went away. I compared the temps on the drums and the Left one that was making the noise was much hotter then the Right. I could keep my hand on the right one but the left was too hot to touch. Any ideas on why it was doing this? I guess somethings stuck in there and not releasing the shoe. The noise is quick so it doesn't sound like the whole shoe is pressing against the drum. Should I just try to try and clean them before I have them checked by a mechanic?

 

[t4r4life]

Take it apart, make sure all springs are set right and didnt fall off.

 

[mikebontoft]

take it apart, look for any obvious signs of excessive wear or broken parts, and lubricate the backing plate where the side of the shoes contact it. Maybe a shoe is getting caught on the backing plate and just rubbing the drum.

 

[jreask]

Make sure you don't have a leaky axle seal. Just a small amount of gear oil will cause the shoe to stick to the drum intermittently. Ask me how I know.

 

[kmiller93]

Make sure you don't have a leaky axle seal. Just a small amount of gear oil will cause the shoe to stick to the drum intermittently. Ask me how I know.

Im really hoping its not an axle leak.

 

[blueblur1984]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I had the same problem...I thought it was just that the rear brakes needed new shoes. I took it to a shop last week and it turned out to be the axle seal leaking fluid into the brakes and gunking it up. It was about a $450 fix or if you have access to a cheap machine shop you can probably do it yourself cheaper.

 

[kmiller93]

My rear drums were full of dust. When I had my truck in to get the UCAs and stuff the mechanic tightened the rear brakes, when he did it there was no dust. I think he did it too much so they ground down and made a lot of dust. Idk though just an idea.

 

[kmiller93]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I had the same problem...I thought it was just that the rear brakes needed new shoes. I took it to a shop last week and it turned out to be the axle seal leaking fluid into the brakes and gunking it up. It was about a $450 fix or if you have access to a cheap machine shop you can probably do it yourself cheaper.

Ya if the problem comes back it may be that. I just dont have any leaks on the axles as far as i can see.

 

[blueblur1984]

Ya if the problem comes back it may be that. I just dont have any leaks on the axles as far as i can see.

Well that may not be an axle shaft seal then. With mine it was pretty obviously gunked up. Best of luck and keep us posted.