Brake job 93 burb

**unplugged** · 08-08-2007, 02:39 AM

Just finished a late night session with the rear drum brakes on the burb. If you don't think this is a job you can handle. You might consider it next time you hear that grinding noise from the rear. I heard the noise and just assumed it was coming from the front pads. Did the pads on Sunday and the noise was still there. How do you check if it is the rear brakes? While driving hold out the emergency brake release and apply the emergency brake. If you hear the grinding noise it is the rear brakes. If not, the front brakes are the culprit. Since I forgot to use this method, the front pads were changed 10 -15k miles early. Since I had them apart I thought I'd upgrade to the "carbon fibre" pads from AutoZone. I'll post pics of the front and rear brake work later. Beddy bye time for now.

**Cableguy** · 08-08-2007, 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by unplugged

Since I forgot to use this method, the front pads were changed 10 -15k miles early.

A little nappy on the couch pervents mishaps like this...At least thats what I tell the wife.

**unplugged** · 08-09-2007, 05:46 PM

Yep, I'm a big fan of naps. Think I'll take one now.

**Steve** · 08-09-2007, 05:55 PM

I'm about due for some brakes on the Trailblazer. We'll see if I have time to do it in the next few weeks. It's so hot here that I dread doing it unless it's before 8 am on a Saturday or so.

**84fiero123** · 08-09-2007, 06:16 PM

I hate doing rear drum brakes. I would rather do 2 sets of disc brakes than one set of drums.

Way to many springs and to much dust.

**Cableguy** · 08-09-2007, 06:34 PM

Originally Posted by 84fiero123

I hate doing rear drum brakes. I would rather do 2 sets of disc brakes than one set of drums.

Way to many springs and to much dust.

No kidding Steve, eh. Having the right gadgets to do the job takes some of the (BS knuckle scrapping, tool throwing, and cussing) out of the job though..

**TrailLeadr** · 08-09-2007, 09:26 PM

I've always carried my tools with me, but special tools like that I leave at home. One time I had to do an emergency drum brake repair, and only had the normal tools with me. I ended up using a pair of vise-grips to lock onto the spring so I could set it. The vise-grips slipped off, and I ended up punching myself in the face. I think that was the only time I ever got a fat lip from fixing my car.

**Cableguy** · 08-09-2007, 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by TrailLeadr

The vise-grips slipped off, and I ended up punching myself in the face. I think that was the only time I ever got a fat lip from fixing my car.

Oh man if I'd been there for that you'd never hear the end of it...

**unplugged** · 08-09-2007, 11:07 PM

I made the job interesting. I did the driver's side first with the assistance of my 17 year old. He kept offering to "help" with those tough springs, but I kept telling him that I could handle it. Then we moved to the passenger side and I handed him the tools and told him that I was saving this wheel for him. He did very well with only one spring at the top that was more than he could muscle. I got the help I needed and my son got a chance to learn a little more about cars. (He's decided that he is going to buy cars that have 4 wheel disc brakes.)