rear brake squeak 1995

When releasing the brake pedal there is a short squeak sound that seems to come from the rear drums -- usually happens when in traffic with lots of on and off braking. Always squeaks on the release, not when applying. Is there a certain part that should be replaced, or just an overall cleaning/lube? Also, rear drum pads have never been replaced in 11 yrs/165k -- is this normal?

Reply to
camry-keeper
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If you haven't replaced the rear pads for that long, they're probably grinded down to 0. Its definitely time to replace them.

Reply to
aiuser

camry-keeper wrote:

========================= Rear drum brakes can last a long time. If you can lift the car, there's an inspection hole for the front brake shoe. Less than 1/16" friction material (1mm) requires replacement. Since the front shoe is wedged into the brake drum when turning forward, it tends to wear more quickly, so the inspection hole will be in the front on both sides. There's a rubber plug you pry out first. Chances are the brake shoes are worn very close to their limit but brake shoes are longer than brake disk pads so they have more friction material , and since most of the braking force is distributed to the front of the car, the rear shoes last longer than front brakes. If you never do any hard braking, it is possible the rear drum is "glazed" with a hard surface which makes the brakes last even longer, but reduces effectiveness under heavy loading. There are six (6) locations on the backing plate that require lubrication with high temperature grease when the brake linings are replaced. The threaded adjuster should also be taken apart, cleaned and new high temperature brake grease applied to the threads and the ends. There are small bent over flanges at three points on the sides of each brake shoe - ends and middle that contact the backing plate so if these are dry that could be the squeaking you hear. Brakes should only be cleaned with brake cleaner. You don't want to breathe any of the brake dust. Probably time to simply plan on replacing everything. You can also replace the brake springs which can lose tension over time from heat cycling. Do check the brakes first. I have a 1994 Camry with 150,000 miles. Just took apart the rear drum brakes last week. Don't know if they were original. Used 400 grit emery paper to remove the glaze from the drums, applied synthetic brake grease at all the points shown in the factory repair manual and replaced the springs. There was plenty of friction material left on the brake shoes though, and very little wear on the brake drum. Springs actually seemed to have plenty of tension remaining, so that would be optional. If the shoes are completely worn down, then I would replace the springs because there have been more cycles of heating and cooling of the brakes over their life.

Reply to
Daniel

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