I took my drums apart today because of a subtle clicking during slow stops. There have been no other symptoms. So i was quite surprised to find one of the linings on the passenger side nearly worn through. The linings on the drivers side still look very good, almost new. I installed them only 4 years and 19,000 miles ago. My dad and i examined the assembly very carefully before disassembling it, making sure that the emergency brake released properly and that the slave cylinder extended smoothly and evenly. The adjuster was free and working. All the springs appeared to be in the right places. Before i ever took the wheel off, it spun freely with little or no drag. Also, the shoes were cutting into the inside face (the face that bolts to the hub) of the drum which i assume caused the noise. So what in the world is causing this? I have never noticed the smell of burning brakes, the car pulling to the right, or any other symptom.





Also, are these the stock adjusters? They don't quite match the diagram in my FSM, and they both have an "L" stamped on them.


Any help would be great cause i'm all out of ideas. My plan is just to get new linings, turn the drums, and hope for the best.

Looks like you might have 2 adjusters for the left side. Let someone confirm this.

I think the adjusters are supposed to be identical because they get installed in opposite directions on each side. But yeah, the L is mysterious.

Yeah, I think you're right. In the good old days they were different.

You should be able to find a pic for your year here.
http://www.partsamerica.com/

Looks close enough.

A blockage in the brake line or bad wheel cylinder comes to mind. It'* odd though.