Parking Brake Question.

[rs6er]

The left parking brake shoe was rubbing inside the rotor drum. It has worn the inside of the drum unevenly. The rotor itself is fine. If I get the parking brake shoe alligned and secured properly, do I need to worry about the uneven wear inside the drum (assuming I don't care that much about the parking brake)? Or will this uneven wear force the shoe out of allignment?

[jdmccright]

Yes, it could cause misalignment, further drum damage, and generally make it very difficult getting the drum off if the shoes wear bad enough.

I'd suggest having the rotor/drum turned and replace the shoes. If the hardware is the original, have it replaced, too...it's only an extra $15 for the parts. This will ensure that you don't have a weak spring causing the misalignment.

[rs6er]

Originally Posted by jdmccright

Yes, it could cause misalignment, further drum damage, and generally make it very difficult getting the drum off if the shoes wear bad enough.

I'd suggest having the rotor/drum turned and replace the shoes. If the hardware is the original, have it replaced, too...it's only an extra $15 for the parts. This will ensure that you don't have a weak spring causing the misalignment.

The rotor is in good shape. Can they just do the drum? If so is there a minimum thickness for the drum part?

[jdmccright]

I don't see any reason they can't just turn the drum part, but you might have both sides done so you have a consistent surface on both sides of the axle. Since the P-brake shoes will drag slightly, if they are up against differing surfaces L-to-R, it could cause a slight pull to one side.

[rs6er]

Originally Posted by jdmccright

I don't see any reason they can't just turn the drum part, but you might have both sides done so you have a consistent surface on both sides of the axle. Since the P-brake shoes will drag slightly, if they are up against differing surfaces L-to-R, it could cause a slight pull to one side.

Is it necessary to be consistent? It's just for parking.

[jdmccright]

Not necessary, but as mentioned, if the truck pulls slightly to that side when the brakes are adjusted that's the reason.