I don't really have the time to tear into my rear drums.

They are squealing when brakes are applied, and when I put on the parking brake, my truck can still roll rite down a hill.

Do I need new shoes? I've never messed with drum brakes, so I wouldn't know the first thing to do.

Thanks guys.

 

go get a "free" brake inspection offered by many service facilities, it's a safety item, don't blow it off!!

 

Yeah just pull the drums off. Either the shoes are worn or a spring or two is bad.

 

Sounds like your self adjusters have stop working, Pull your brake drums, and check your adjusters to make sure there not frozen up, while your in there inspect you shoes and blow out the excess brake dust.

If your shoes are OK and your adjusters are free than you may only need to adjust your brakes out.

Good Luck

 

yea, your hardware is garbage. you can buy the shoes and hardware kit from just about anywhere. but make sure you buy them both. its simple to replace if you have a pair of brake pliers ( i think thats what they're called) if not you can do it with pliers and a screwdriver.

 

It is never a good idea to blow out brake dust unless your goal is to destroy your lungs. I know todays brakes should not contain asbestos but almost any dust is hazardous to your lungs. Spray brake cleaner in there if you want to remove brake dust but follow the safety instructions on the can.

 

They don't use Asbestos anymore, just don't inhale it and you'll be alrite.

 

Well, Im breathing steel dust all day, so im good HAHAHA!!!

 

Yeah, like everyone said, either your adjuster is out of whack or your springs have gotten weak. Also, your shoes could be worn out, either way, get it checked because your parking brake should hold the vehicle in gear,(if automatic). Go ahead and blow out the dust, just wear a painters mask.
For people like me that forget things, take some digital photos after the drum is off so you can see how everything goes back together or pull both drums off and just work on one side and if you get lost, just run to the other side and refresh your memory! I know it sounds silly, but it works!
Good luck!

 

Yeah you are correct.

I was thinking about taking pictures before I started.

 

these new cell phones with the hi res pictures make for excellent use in this, I need to do the same think to my drums man! I'm getting the squeal every now and then

 

Get yourself one of these will make pulling your brakes apart and back together a whole lot easier. Besides what you save on band-aids when using a screwdriver and pliers will almost pay for them.