Hey all,

This past weekend, I pulled apart my drum brakes and replaced the hardware. The rubber boot protecting the access point for the tightener starwheel was absent on the left side, but that wasn't issue; whereas on the right side, which did have it, there was an abundance of mud and grime clogging up the brake! My question is, do you guys think the boot traps moisture inside and is a problem, or is it generally worth it to leave the boot in?

Thanks!

 

If you do off-roading where the rear drums can be partially or fully submerged then the plugs could allow build up of debris vs faster draining with no plugs
There is plenty of air flow and openings on the edge of the drums so its not by any means air tight inside, as far as trapping moisture
But the gaps around the drum and backing plate are narrow so wouldn't allow larger debris in, where the hole for the rubber plug would

So I would use the plugs

In general if I find one rear brake side has more crud inside its because the axle seal or slave was leaking on that side, lol, oil/brake fluid doesn't evaporate very fast, so not a moisture issue

 

Thanks Ron! That's really helpful :-) Hopefully not an axle leak, that would be unfortunate!!

 

I have always used the plugs without any problems. Earlier this year on the Continental Divide Trail, we encountered some heavy rain in an area that was advised not to take when raining. It was too late to turn around. The mud was very sticky and my all my wheel wells got fully packed with mud. That stuff was very difficult to clean out, but the brakes were fine. I think not having the plugs would have been an entry point for the mud.

 

Good to know! Thanks!