paxfam1

Alright, 98 Blazer 160,000 miles

when driving at slow speeds I notice a noise coming from the back drivers side wheel it sounds like something is rubbing. Then when I hit the brakes I here the grind like shot brake pads. But I think there drums right? I havent done much work with drum brakes. If I take a peak at it, what are things to look for and inspect.

JaVeRo

Brake shoes wear out just like disc brake pads. You will probably need to get the drums turned, especially since they are metal to metal.

Take the drum off both sides then work on one side at a time. That way when you try to figure out how one of the springs is supposed to go back on, you can look at the other side. There is a front shoe and a back shoe. The difference is how far the pad comes up on the metal. Look at the old one before you take it off.

James

paxfam1

lol....went to replace those shoes, and found that they are pads........Forgot, this was stock with pads........

paxfam1

Alright, changed the rear pads a few days ago, and the grinding went away. But they really smell like really hot brakes after I use them, thought it was just burning in the new pads but its still doing it and now I noticed when I hit the brakes they are also sqeaking. What is the remedy to fix this?

old_master

It is very common for the caliper pistons to bind in the bores on a "pad slap". A pad slap is great if you're selling the car right away. If you're planning on keeping it...do it right. Remanufactured calipers are available with the bracket and slide bolts. They're not expensive, and save headaches in the future! Lube all of the slides before reassembling. Resurface or replace the rotors. Sounds like your new pads have overheated; the reman calipers are available loaded, (with new pads), probably be a good idea to go that route.