Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

My front breaks have been squeaking more and more over the last few week. I thought maybe the shoes were worn out and the rivets were rubbing on the drums so took a peek and this is what I found.

Shoes still with a lot of wear left on them and no rivets showing through.

http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8e432f98.jpg

Brake drum smooth as glass.

http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/...psfaf2389c.jpg

The squeaking started with the left wheel (which these picture are of) with a little grabbing but now both front wheel brakes are squeaking about the same. Only squeaks when brakes applied.

Why and what to do about it?

Re: Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

Those linings are bonded...not riveted. DD

Re: Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

hard brake linings will squeak, try sanding the shoes and inside drums to remove any glaze, i bet you will have to replace the shoes to stop the squeaking

Re: Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

Professor, They look like bonded linings not riveted. They do tend to Glaze over on the face. I used to have the same problem and would roughen them up with 100 grit sandpaper. That only works for a thousand miles or so. I finally replaced them with woven linings riveted on. End of squeak and better braking due to the softness of woven linings.
John

Re: Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

I'll try the sandpaper. The squeaking won't bother me so much now that I know the shoes and drums are still good - certainly not enough to replace the fairly new brake shoes to get rid of it.

Thanks all for your help.

Re: Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

Henry I see you have only 1/4 ware pattern contact lining to drum ,?

Re: Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

Here's an idea that just "popped" into my head.

Tape off the center wheel bearing area on both sides of the drum and sand blast the inside of the brake drum shoe contact surface that is now glazed. Make sure no sand gets into the bearings.

Re: Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

I had an issue with squeeky brakes when entering a corner and braking to a stop, cured issue by tightening up the front wheel bearing compression one cotter pin slot.

Re: Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

There maybe problem with the drum not turned far enough in leaving a step.
side of shoes you don't want rub marks.
Also may want to chamfer the ends of 4 shoes.

Re: Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

Prof, I can't focus on the drum. What is that shiny line that is not the drum friction surface? (The thin bright line) Or is that normal and I'm just not looking at it right. Could the backing plate be touching the drum and causing that bright line?

Actually thinking about it, if it were rubbing you would get a rubbing noise not a squeal.

Carry on.

Mart.

Re: Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

So, I sanded the shoes on the left wheel that I had off and put it back together and took a drive. The sanding certainly got rid of the squealing (which must have been coming from the left side only) but also noticeably reduced the braking power of that wheel. The car pulls almost uncontrollably to the right when braking. Guess I'll have to sand the other side to get more balanced loss of braking power. :rolleyes:

Re: Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

Lol.

Re: Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

Professor,

"The car pulls almost uncontrollably to the right when braking."

"but also noticeable reduced the braking power of that wheel."

Sorry, but I have no more ideas on your problem.
John

Re: Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

I'd guess you need to adjust the shoes now, depending on how much you sanded off, could be the left shoe is taking longer to engage?

I saw mention (and re-looked at your pics) about a small contact patch on the shoe. which-from what I see as well-leads me to think you need to get the shoes arced to the drums.

Re: Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

Try beveling the leading edge of the linings to remove any sharp edges.

Re: Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

Re-read my post. You've got it backwards. Reduced left wheel braking power causes pull to the right. :)

Re: Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

I had that same thought. Should have re-adjusted those left brakes before driving. Will do that and may save sanding the right shoes.

Re: Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

Henry-

Squeaking brakes are almost always a glazing problem. It is more than a noise problem it also is an audio warning of decreased braking efficiency. What I usually do with squeaking brakes is to 1) block sand the brake shoes in sets (front wheels, rear wheels), with 80-100 grid paper and then 2) Use lacquer thinner to wipe down all the shoes and their matching drum surface. Inspect for remaining high spots on the shoes and repeat sanding, if necessary. Continue the lacquer wipe until the paper towel you are using is clean of any residue. That usually does it. From my experience, rears usually don't develop a squeal until the shoes really get worn down and it will be obvious upon inspection.

Hope this helps.

Tom

Re: Squeaky Brakes on 47
 

So, I sanded the right side and adjusted all brake shoes up right. No squeak. No pull. Smoother (although slower) stops. Used to be that it was easy to lock up the front wheels, even on dry pavement. Gave me confidence in stopping ability but not so good on snowy roads.

All in all - good result. Better than it was. :)

Thanks guys.