After completing a rear brake job I have noticed a grove on my driver side backing plate . Seems this is just the drivers rear and even though the job is completed, it works. The groove is where the the pads ride on the contact points .This truck has well over 1/2 million miles .After completing looked to see where i could find a backing plate with no luck: apparently a junk yard item . Oh ebay had them USED FOR 49.95 with shipping of 17.95 --NOT!!! TR

 

It is an easy fix if you have a welder even a 120v MIG will work.

You will need to pull the brake job apart, clean the area of the groove and run a bead of weld.
Then grind & file smooth, put the brake back together and you are done.
Dave ----

 

Thanks Fuzz , Great Idea ,I did think of lightly grinding it down before reinstalling my new pads etc.... but thoughts were it was too thin. Since its working good I shall wait for spring to summer like weather .

 

Yea if it is not hanging up then I would do the same, warmer weather.
If you dont have a welder you could drive the truck to one and he could weld it , you will need to pull the shoes, and he could grind it down.
I think it would take longer to pull the shoes than to weld & grind it smooth.
Heck wile you pull the shoes he could be pulling out his gear, same on putting his gear away you put the shoes back on.
Dave ----

 

Yes, I do have a welder, and actually will remove the backing plate and do this on the work bench .Older. I get (60 plus ),kneeling and doing. Any thing is a chore lol. I assume after many miles on this truck the metal sides sit in a position as the brakes are not being used and heat/vibrations causes this. Of course heat causes many problems but heat will fix this .Before trying this will visit online and in person to see how available these plates are at auto salvages .I am sure many plates get bent damaged by moving junk vehicles around. After a little research 1982-1996 are compatible .TR

 

Thing is if I ts a 9" the plate holds the bearing in place thst holds the axle in place.

I hear you on getting up & down off the floor as I am also 60+ but I am laze more so I would not be pulling the axle.
G÷t everything laid out on yhe floor and ready. Then once on the floor you can do everything b4 getting back up.
Dave. ----

 

Don't know if you want to build one but....
After welding grind down to close enough....then...
I built a jig to hold a drill chuck and an end mill so I could bolt to
the face of the axle flange and lug bolts.
Then hook a drill up to it and mill those pads so they are flat and
exact 90 degrees to the drum.
OCD or **** on wanting things done right,..I don't know.....

 

Fuzz , agreed, pulling the axle is out lol , yes 60 plus and lazy also , once the weather is better , a plan and a slow approach will get er done! TR

 

The problem with welding the pads is it warps that backing plate.
It will still work...but.......you might end up with uneven wear on the shoes.
And it will take a little while for the shoes to seat-conform to the drum since the backing plate is warped.
Just a heads up.......

 

Thanks, I am sure the backing plate is stamped and heavy enough not to cause trouble,
good observation.After research this repair is pretty common on older vehicles ,fords chevrolet Jeep etc….. I even saw where one tried Jbg weld and that didn’t go well.TR

 

I was thinking I'd try JB weld. You don't have to take it apart. Clean the groove well before applying the epoxy. Trowel and sand it smooth, appropriate paint.

Then lubricate the contact points with brake grease.

 

Thought the same ,but in a Corvette forum a guy tried this and it failed .There we’re no mentions of how long he let it cure etc but after a while he took off his hub to find the jb weld was gone .If I am going to try that might as well weld it for a permanent fix .It’s almost the same kneeling as applying the jb weld .I know jb weld if applied appropriately works ,you have to prep for that.(directions)
I have no problems as my 85 is a Dailey driver ,but would feel better to that fix . I once was using a large screw driver on a Chevy ss Monte Carlo - tightening the power steering belt ,driver slipped and cut into the pot metal body .Cleaned it good applied and it lasted another 10 ears before I sold it ! TR

 

i think 7.17 in ,shows my problem-Great info!

 

Completed !

Drivers side grooves rear brake pad
The weather was in the 70s yesterday , Fixed!

 

After a brake job and finding these groves and reinstalling new drums /brakes etc after welding , I found my parking brake (drivers side) sticking. WHAT????????????? culprit was the PARKING BRAKE CABLE being rusted and not allowing the the spring do its job- to return .Actually after installing everything and rolling.. forward I felt the brakes apply. Yes , this was why these groves were so deep in this brake pad . Reason for everything, I actually cut my rusted parking brake cable @ wheel and prying up on the pb lever freed it up. New cables on order and hopefully i will not ever have to touch these brakes for years to come .TR