95 Camry Rusted-through Rear Brake Drum

[HpyGlmore2]

Today I heard a noise coming from my left rear wheel. I took off the tire and noticed that what I think is the brake drum, is rusted through on the left side, and is making the noise. I can hear it when I am going slow ~5-10 mph. This area is the piece of metal that is right behind the rotor, that looks like it could be there for protecting the disc from dirt. I looked at the factory service manuals from this site, and think its the brake drum?? Its hard to tell, but its a 3/4 full metal circle that is slightly larger than the area of the rotor, and is in the inside part of the wheel.

How vital is this to my car? Is it a safety issue? It won't fall off tomorrow, but it is moving and rubbing, especially when I hit a bump in the road. Any ideas for cost of replacement?

Thanks!

-Matt

[RIP]

If it really is the brake drum, yes its a safety issue and yes get it fixed yesterday.

Give me the page and figure you're looking at in the manual and describe exactly what is rusting in relation to the drawing. "Rotor" and "disc" are terms normally associated with front brakes so you're confusing the issue. Can you post a picture of it?

[HpyGlmore2]

Sorry if I'm not using the correct terms.

The link to the manual: http://www.turboninjas.com/camry/br.pdf

Page 44

In the top left of the picture, its the circular object that is 3/4 a circle. It is directly above the workd "caliper," and is the largest piece. It is behind the 5 screws that the lugnuts screw on. It has a sort of lip that is slightly larger than the diameter of the disc, and seems to pretect it from any dirt that may be thrown from under the car.

Is this a safety hazard? Whats the part name? How much $$?

Thanks!

[RIP]

Got it. Thanks for the info. Based on the diagram you have 4 wheel disc brakes, no rear drum brakes. It's called a splash shield on many cars. It's a fairly thin, semicircular metal plate that shields the disc from road grime just as you thought. Plus it diverts air to the disc to cool it.

This isn't something that needs to be changed tomorrow but, I wouldn't let it go too long. It could effect safety in the respect that grime and heat decrease braking efficiency. Slight chance it could get ugly if it comes apart and lodges in the brake caliper or cuts the flexible brake line. I've never had to replace one but, my guess is it might cost $40 plus labor at the dealer or cheaper elswhere. Wouldn't be tough to do in your driveway.

You must live in the rust belt (Mass?). I can't say I've seen these rust out. Then again I live on the edge of a desert. Let us know how you make out. I'm sure you're not the only one with this problem. Cheers!

[JOET/CAMRY]

Originally Posted by RIP

Got it. Thanks for the info. Based on the diagram you have 4 wheel disc brakes, no rear drum brakes. It's called a splash shield on many cars. It's a fairly thin, semicircular metal plate that shields the disc from road grime just as you thought. Plus it diverts air to the disc to cool it.

This isn't something that needs to be changed tomorrow but, I wouldn't let it go too long. It could effect safety in the respect that grime and heat decrease braking efficiency. Slight chance it could get ugly if it comes apart and lodges in the brake caliper or cuts the flexible brake line. I've never had to replace one but, my guess is it might cost $40 plus labor at the dealer or cheaper elswhere. Wouldn't be tough to do in your driveway.

You must live in the rust belt (Mass?). I can't say I've seen these rust out. Then again I live on the edge of a desert. Let us know how you make out. I'm sure you're not the only one with this problem. Cheers!

Hello HpyGlmore2 and RIP,

I live in the rust belt "Massachusetts" and I have had these shields rust out on my 1989 Camry and other vehicles I've owned in the past. what a pita. I just unbolted and cut off what was left of them. I havent had any problems witout them there but I do drive my car easy most of the time. Good luck fixing your car HpyGlmore2.

Regards,
JOET/CAMRY

[HpyGlmore2]

Thanks so much for the help guys. This car spent 9 years in Northern Indiana, and 3 years in Massachusetts. Both parts are heavy on the road salt. I've got an appointment to get it looked at next Friday. I'll post the cost when it gets done. Thanks again.

[HpyGlmore2]

Well I called the mechanic and he said that it was for blocking salt/dirt. Let me quote him, "Let me tell you how imporant it is.... American cars don't have them." I knocked it off and will wait till I get new rear brakes to have it fixed.

[JOET/CAMRY]

Originally Posted by HpyGlmore2

Well I called the mechanic and he said that it was for blocking salt/dirt. Let me quote him, "Let me tell you how imporant it is.... American cars don't have them." I knocked it off and will wait till I get new rear brakes to have it fixed.

The mechanic is right. It's one of those parts that a car can do without and still run fine. I imagine they do some good otherwise why would they be there? for looks.

JOET/CAMRY