1992-1999 Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's and Buick Lesabres Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

Time for a rear brake job?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-07-2011, 11:26 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Certified GM nut
Thread Starter
 
SignOfZeta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: New Milford, CT
Posts: 2,284
Received 17 Likes on 14 Posts
SignOfZeta has a spectacular aura aboutSignOfZeta has a spectacular aura about
Default Time for a rear brake job?

My rear brakes are, occasionally, making a bit of a groaning noise and grabbing harder when stopping at low speeds, especially (but not always) when wet or cold.

The only rear brake maintenance I have in my files are a new pair of cylinders installed two years ago. I'd think it'* time for a brake job, but nothing sounds like squealing wear indicators or grinding drums, and I have plenty of brake fluid in the master cylinder.

Do you think I need to re-adjust the rear brakes, or should I start shoe and drum shopping?
Old 03-07-2011, 11:30 PM
  #2  
Retired Senior Admin

Expert Gearhead
 
Danthurs's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Sheboygan Wisconsin
Posts: 29,661
Likes: 0
Received 28 Likes on 24 Posts
Danthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to allDanthurs is a name known to all
Default

Drum brakes last like forever. Mine have 110k on them. I pulled the drums and still have half the pads left. I would say pull one off and inspect it. If the drum looks good, and the pads still have enough left, then put the drum back on and check the other side. But if the drums are grooved up, and the pads are nearly gone, then change them all out. Best to get new drums and shoes, turning the drums isn't worth the cost when you look at what new drums cost.
Old 03-08-2011, 01:38 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
Posts like a Corvette
 
Nighthwk12's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Jersey Shore
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Nighthwk12 is on a distinguished road
Default

drum brakes grab harder when it'* cold. My dad'* blazer would brake hard on start up and first couple of times the brakes were used. But not a bad to check them. to see if your brakes are dragging just raise the wheel and give it a spin
Old 03-08-2011, 02:08 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
Certified GM nut
Thread Starter
 
SignOfZeta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: New Milford, CT
Posts: 2,284
Received 17 Likes on 14 Posts
SignOfZeta has a spectacular aura aboutSignOfZeta has a spectacular aura about
Default

Originally Posted by Nighthwk12
drum brakes grab harder when it'* cold. My dad'* blazer would brake hard on start up and first couple of times the brakes were used. But not a bad to check them. to see if your brakes are dragging just raise the wheel and give it a spin
Fuel mileage isn't down, so it might just be wet shoes. Plenty of water in the roads today.

Whatever it is, it came up suddenly, so in terms of severity, I'll put it between "wait and see" and "annoyance."
Old 03-08-2011, 03:02 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
Posts like a Supercharger
 
rustyroger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Margate, UK
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
rustyroger is on a distinguished road
Default

I'd pull the drums and check the adjustment is correct, sometimes the self adjusters dont work, check for weeping cylinders while they are off, a small leak wont show up as a dramatic fluid loss at first,
Wet shoes, slack adjustment and fluid on the shoes will give similar symptoms, check them out anyway - your brakes are your main line of defense in avoiding trouble.
Old 03-08-2011, 06:34 AM
  #6  
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS

Expert Gearhead
 
BillBoost37's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Enfield, CT
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
BillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of light
Default

Originally Posted by SignOfZeta
Whatever it is, it came up suddenly, so in terms of severity, I'll put it between "wait and see" and "annoyance."
Coming up suddenly when we get a ton of rain, it'* likely the weather. Wouldn't hurt...tooo much to pull them and inspect. I cracked up at your quote.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
anathema05
General GM Chat
1
07-22-2010 09:50 AM
Toddorado
2000-2005
4
03-06-2008 01:14 AM
grtpumpkin
1987-1991
2
12-23-2007 09:21 PM
bandit01
Detailing & Appearance
37
05-03-2007 10:49 AM
disco_dotty
1987-1991
14
01-19-2005 07:38 PM



Quick Reply: Time for a rear brake job?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:27 PM.