[darkwingbenny]

At 150600 miles I still have the original drum and shoes. Last oil change/tire rotation I pulled off the drums to inspect the brakes. The shoes still had about 2.5 mm left on them, did not have proper calipers to check drum for spec. There was lots of dust as you would expect after all this time. I cleaned out the dust with brake parts cleaner and reinstalled everything.

Now when I apply the breaks [mostly first thing in the morning] I can hear a high pitched groan from the left side rear break.

Is it possible that I need to lube the parts where the shoes touch the backing plate?

With life still left on the shoes, does it makes sense to keep the existing shoes or should I get new ones?

At this age and mileage does it make sense to get all new hardware (springs etc) or just disassemble and reuse existing springs?

I have worked on disk brakes before, never on drum brakes. Thanks in advance for any guidance

99 Camry I4 150500 miles

 

[PortugalFocus]

I would def get the new hardware kit, shoes and new drums. I have seen shoes literally fall part when the drums come off. If I was you, I'd get a complete new set of brakes. Also get a Haynes manual as it will give the specs and great diagrams for removal and install.

If it helps, take a few digital pics during the removal process to document and keep running notes on how it all goes together.

 

[darkwingbenny]

I would def get the new hardware kit, shoes and new drums. I have seen shoes literally fall part when the drums come off. If I was you, I'd get a complete new set of brakes. Also get a Haynes manual as it will give the specs and great diagrams for removal and install.

If it helps, take a few digital pics during the removal process to document and keep running notes on how it all goes together.

Thanks for the response. For the front pads I have always used OEM pads for toyota. Do you recommend the same for rear shoes and drums? Any recommended suppliers?

Thanks

 

[Mike Gerber]

"Is it possible that I need to lube the parts where the shoes touch the backing plate?"

That was my first thought. The brake clean probably removed the lube that is applied between the 6 points where the shoes ride on the backing plate. You can relube them without removing the shoes. Just stick a slotted screwdriver between the shoes and the backing plate and pull them away from the backing plate just a bit. Then use a small artist paint brush or even a Q-tip to apply new lube to those spots. Use high temperature disc brake grease or a product called Sil-Glide. Just be sure not to get any lube on the friction surface of the shoes.

Mike

 

[PortugalFocus]

Thanks for the response. For the front pads I have always used OEM pads for toyota. Do you recommend the same for rear shoes and drums? Any recommended suppliers?

Thanks

I prefer Autozone and Advanced Auto Parts. Just go in there and get the quality stuff. Don't cheap out. You will regret it and then have to do the job over again. Plus, the cheaper shoes usually make more noise and wear worse.

 

[JohnGD]

I personally prefer the Akebono ProAct cermaics for these cars. Seems like Toyota dump the NBK pads already and use Akebono-made pads. However, the OEM ones are cheaper EE friction rated. The ProActs should all be FF rated. But OEMs with coupons will cost you less. Check www.rockauto.com.

Thanks for the response. For the front pads I have always used OEM pads for toyota. Do you recommend the same for rear shoes and drums? Any recommended suppliers?

Thanks