What Causes the Abnormal Noise When Braking with Rear Drum Brakes?
3 Answers
Here are the specific reasons for the abnormal noise when braking with rear drum brakes: 1. Oil contamination between the brake shoes and brake drum: Oil contamination between the brake shoes and brake drum of the drum brake causes slipping and produces a sharp sound. Clean the brake drum and brake shoes with alcohol to remove the oil contamination. 2. Overly smooth surface of the brake shoes: An overly smooth surface of the brake shoes in the drum brake causes slipping and produces a sharp sound. Sand the surface of the brake shoes with 800-grit sandpaper to increase their friction. 3. Severe wear of the rear brake drum: If abnormal wear is observed on the brake drum, it is recommended to replace it and then test drive to observe the results.
When it comes to squeaking noises from rear drum brakes when braking, I often encounter this issue while helping friends with car repairs. The most common cause is worn brake shoes, especially when the friction material wears down to expose the metal backing, creating a sharp scraping sound during braking. Another possibility is accumulated dust or mud inside the brake drum, which happens over time without proper cleaning and leads to uneven friction noises. If the noise occurs after driving through water, it's likely due to moisture causing rust on components, requiring disassembly for cleaning. Additionally, aged return springs that don't fully retract can leave brake shoes stuck in position, producing continuous noise. I recommend first checking the brake shoe thickness - they should be replaced if worn below 3mm. It's best to have the drum brakes disassembled and cleaned during routine maintenance; replacing components isn't expensive. Remember, neglecting these minor issues can affect braking performance - always ensure everything is in proper condition before driving, safety comes first.
My old car's rear drum brakes once had a squealing noise issue, which was quite annoying. The cause was dust accumulation inside the brake drum - it happened more often in dry and dusty weather. Another time, the brake shoes were loose, probably due to a broken retaining clip, causing a vibrating sound when braking. Return spring issues are also common - when the spring fails, the shoes can't fully retract, resulting in a clicking noise during continuous braking. I learned to open it up myself, cleaned the dust, sanded the rusty parts, and sprayed some rust remover, which made it much quieter. When driving, avoid muddy or waterlogged roads, and regular checks on these small things can save a lot of trouble. Don't ignore unusual noises - get them checked at a reliable shop. Spending a few dozen bucks can prevent major hazards.
