What if brake grease wasn't used when rebuilding rear drum brakes ('94 Ranger)?
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What if brake grease wasn't used when rebuilding rear drum brakes ('94 Ranger)?
What if brake grease wasn't used when rebuilding rear drum brakes ('94 Ranger)?
My brother-in-law drove 2.5 hours each way last weekend to rebuild the drum brakes in my '94 Ranger. He has done a bunch of brake jobs in the past, but when he was done I noticed that the tube of brake grease had never been removed from the packaging (pretty sure he didn't have any other grease with him). He's a great guy and I really appreciate him giving up a good part of a weekend to help me out so I didn't want to say too much about it. But after looking at this:
How To: Servicing Rear Drum Brakes,
it got me wondering:
What are the implications of no grease?
If I pull the drums, is there any way to go back and retroactively add grease without completely disassembling the brakes?
Thanks.
My brother-in-law drove 2.5 hours each way last weekend to rebuild the drum brakes in my '94 Ranger. He has done a bunch of brake jobs in the past, but when he was done I noticed that the tube of brake grease had never been removed from the packaging (pretty sure he didn't have any other grease with him). He's a great guy and I really appreciate him giving up a good part of a weekend to help me out so I didn't want to say too much about it. But after looking at this:
How To: Servicing Rear Drum Brakes,
it got me wondering:
What are the implications of no grease?
If I pull the drums, is there any way to go back and retroactively add grease without completely disassembling the brakes?
Thanks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,275
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A lot of cylinder kits have a small tube of thick brake fluid in the box with the spring and cups, its used to lub the cups while installing them in the cyls. If he rebuilt your cyls, that may be what you noticed, did they look like a capsual?
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,940
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From: Southern Oregon Coast
I believe that grease you're speaking of is to lubricate the contact points between the brake shoes and the backing plate (there are raised "bumps" on the backing plate that the shoes rest against) - this, supposedly, reduces wear; allows the shoes to move more freely; and reduces noise (clattering, squeaking, etc.)
I've rebuilt drum brakes before without using that grease and haven't had any issues with not using it.
If you're inclined to do this, you might be able to pull the shoes out from the backing plate far enough to squeeze some grease on those points - pulling the pin/spring retainers off might help with this.
I'm not a professional brake tech so, don't take what I say as gospel...
I've rebuilt drum brakes before without using that grease and haven't had any issues with not using it.
If you're inclined to do this, you might be able to pull the shoes out from the backing plate far enough to squeeze some grease on those points - pulling the pin/spring retainers off might help with this.
I'm not a professional brake tech so, don't take what I say as gospel...
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,104
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From: Southern California
a little brake brease 9I actually prefer white lithium) is to be used at the contact points as stated.....but squeezing grease into those spots ...I wouldn't...too much of a chance of getting too much & it coming in contact with the drum or linings.....put some on a q-tip , lift the shoe away from the backing plate & apply just a very light touch. That's all it needs
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Baltimore
Grease is also used on the threads of the self-adjuster. I clean the threads on a wire wheel and coat them with grease. Helps keep moisture out and the adjuster free. If the treads are clean and rotate freely your probably OK.
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Walpole MA
Your brakes will probably be fine as is. If you needed someone to put the new shoes in and adjust them, you probably shouldn't be in there by your lonesome trying to get the lube on the contact points. Also just a comment on cleaning brake hardware with a wire wheel: Brake hardware is typically plated to fend off corrosion. This plating is pretty light duty and can be damaged by wire wheeling. Once the plating is compromised, the hardware corrodes quickly. Your best bet is to clean your hardware with aerosol brake cleaner and then lubricate.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,332
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From: Baltimore
If they have rust on the surface, cleaning with a wire wheel will clean the threads. A coating of high temp grease will help protect and lubricate the threads. No rust, no need for the wire wheel.
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