[slowgto]

My brake shoe has a few of these cracks in the surface, but they seem to work ok. Will these fail inspection or can I wait a little while on these?

Thanks

[slowgto]

My brake shoe has a few of these cracks in the surface, but they seem to work ok. Will these fail inspection or can I wait a little while on these?

Thanks

[orange69]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by SlowGTO:
My brake shoe has a few of these cracks in the surface, but they seem to work ok. Will these fail inspection or can I wait a little while on these?

Thanks<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>0
I have a question...why would you risk your life for a 30 dollar drum? I'm not being a jerk, I am concerned for your safety. What would happen, if your driving down the hiway at 65 mph, you and a loved one are in the car and it's rainy, and someone panic stops....the drum fractures the rest of the way and locks up one wheel, what are you gonna do?
DONT PLAY WITH BRAKES!!!!
By the way, the only way the inspection would fail is if they pulled that drum and found it, most inspectors look at the shoes, not the drum.

NOOOOO! it's not a freakin' Chevelle!

[PMDRACER]

Don't know about passing an inspection, since they don't do it here in CA, (but they should).

I'd replace the drum anyway. While you're at it, replace both. If anything, $60 is worth the peace of mind.

TIGER EFI - Electronic Fuel Injection for the Traditional Pontiac Engine. [email protected]

The point to life isn't necessarilly the decimal.

[Scarebird]

I picked up a book th other day dealing with disc brakes, essentially a expanded Brembo handbook. They make no confusion on the issue of cracked pads- replace. Check the drums for blueing, dark spots, cracks and tolerances out of spec.

[Larry Navarro]

brake shoe?....the pic is of the drum, correct?
that drum shows "blueing".
replace it!

1973 SD455 T/A
1979 SE474 T/A
http://community.webshots.com/album/16587603rOyvmFCiHs

[fast72lemans]

It looks like a rust mark in the drum(pic is of drum right???) I would try to machine the drum if there is enough material. Did the car sit for awhile???

http://home.earthlink.net/~fast72lemans

[78 GHOST]

Are these the brakes on that beautiful ragtop?

Everybody else has had there say on the drums, but I'm gonna rag you about something else.. there are 2 components that should also be replaced: Rubber hoses, and brake fluid. The only reason I say this, is because if your drums look that cruddy, I'll bet the rest of the brake system is in sad shape.

The three rubber hoses that connect the hard lines to the individual brakes decompose over time and weaken. New hoses help ensure safe operation and correct pedal "feel." Aftermarket braided lines are even available which further enhance brake "feel."

Brake fluid should be changed no less than every 2 years. Brake fluid is Hypergolic and actually attracts water. Unfortunately, this is why many brake systems fail over time, and why components rust from the inside out. Use a good DOT 3 fluid and bleed every year or two at most.

Sorry to get on a rant, but brakes are probably the most overlooked component on our cars. I'd really hate to hear a person got hurt, or a car totalled because of inexpensive, easy maintenance you can do in a weekend.

FWIW, when I got my GTO only 1 wheel was being braked (LF.)

____________________________________
Much love out to my Peeps

[78 GHOST]

Original rubber hoses are very prone to "collapsing" and locking up the individual wheel; or bursting allowing all the fluid to escape.

[1970cat]

take a hammer and tap all around the outside of the drum. if that is a crack , there should be a line of rust coming out of it then. if it's cracked, replace it.

[slowgto]

Thanks for the responses. I didn't realize drums were that cheap or that this could cause the wheel to lock. That's why I asked.

I bought this GTO last year and it appears it was neglected in every area of maintenance.

This started out when I was replacing the sagging springs and shocks, then I had to do the front end bushings when I saw them, then a brake job on the front. I was hoping to get this one on the road sooner, but I keep finding things. I ordered a rebuild kit for the rear brakes today and I will get new drums too. I did get new hoses for the front and rear. The brake fluid does look dirty so I planned to take it somewhere where they can pump it all out.

Its an Expresso Brown '69 with a 400, #48 heads, headers, auto trans. and a 3.55 rear.

[Jagtec1]

As a PA State inspection mechanic....a cracked drum would fail inspection, and yes...I would look at them upon removal to check shoes. Ditto what 78 Ghost said about your hoses....for the small expense, it is worth the peace of mind!!

69 GTO Clone - 350/350 with a 400 on the stand...
Someday it'll be done!!