Hi, the rear brakes on my 93 Explorer, manual, need to be redone. Some springs are broken, the pads have cracks going down the middle, the drums are cracked along the edges, bad burnt smell coming from them. My question is is there any health hazards, asbestos?, to be concerned about? My son (teenager) and I will be doing the job. Also, can the brakes be done then later replace the drums? Pros and cons to splitting the job up?

 

Brake dust is hazardous to your health. As long as your not snorting it you should be just fine. Odd wear on your new pads will be the con of splitting the job. They should sell a hardware kit with new springs. There are a few posts on adjusting the rear brake shoes so do a search or better yet check out a video on youtube.

 

Thank you Spaznaut! Happy to report after an initial learning experience, both rear brakes work like a charm! The first go around, installed the new kit and brakes backwards on the left rear and my ole girl wouldn't move. The burnt smell reminded me of the old slaughter area in The Back of the Yards in southside Chicago..rancid. Who knew brakes could smell so bad!