Another problem with the little piece of...

[dazada]

The rear passenger brake drum makes this horrible grinding noise when I apply the pedal. A few weeks ago, I had another problem which has seemed to be solved ever since the emergency brake stopped working. After driving about 20-30 minutes, the brake pedal would suddenly give out, and I would have to push it all the way to the floor in order to make the car stop. After letting the car sit for about an hour, the brake returned to its normal function until another 20-30 minutes of driving. Now, I can pull the e-brake all the way up (with VERY little effort) and it has no effect on the car whatsoever. I know I'm going to have to take it to Midas or a dealer, but can somebody tell me what's going on with this thing?

[AltecZX2]

sounds like the ebreak needs to be readjusted(assuming you never did that after the change)

[KimMG]

Sounds like you need to get your car in for a brake job now before you cause a wreck. The grinding noise is most likely the remains of the shoes pressing against the drums (metal on metal). If you don't have good brake shoes, and they are not adjusted properly, the parking brake will not function.
The brake fading may be caused by the front brakes overheating since they aren't getting any help from the rear. Check your master cylinder for loss of fluid (a sign that there is a serious problem). A wheel cylinder may have failed also.
The longer you keep driving your car in this condition, the more damage you do. If you had gone to Midas for a free brake inspection when you first starting having problems, you might have been able to save the passenger side drum. Now it sounds like you may have to buy a new one.

[dazada]

Originally Posted by KimMG

Sounds like you need to get your car in for a brake job now before you cause a wreck. The grinding noise is most likely the remains of the shoes pressing against the drums (metal on metal). If you don't have good brake shoes, and they are not adjusted properly, the parking brake will not function.
The brake fading may be caused by the front brakes overheating since they aren't getting any help from the rear. Check your master cylinder for loss of fluid (a sign that there is a serious problem). A wheel cylinder may have failed also.
The longer you keep driving your car in this condition, the more damage you do. If you had gone to Midas for a free brake inspection when you first starting having problems, you might have been able to save the passenger side drum. Now it sounds like you may have to buy a new one.

What are you, a sales rep for Midas or something? Yeah, I got them fixed. New shoes on both sides and new bearings and a spring kit on the passenger-side drum. Cost me $317, but at least now I can be sure that when I hit the brake pedal, my car will stop.

[KimMG]

No, I am not a sales rep for Midas. I usually do all my own brake work. The only reason I mentioned them is because they are willing to do a free brake inspection without obligation.