Brake drums
Although the handbrake on my car is quite effective, and rarely needs adjustment, it had always been uneven. I assumed the lightweight alloy drums had suffered heat or pressure distortion. With an eye to the next MOT test, I took a closer look. Footbrake performance isn't affected a great deal by the rear wheels, the system is biased hugely to the front disc brakes. There was a slight tremor through the pedal when braking, but when I tested the handbrake on the move, the whole car back end rose and fell like a circus clown's car !
Removing the drums as for the hand brake lever access or wheel bearings and taking a closer peer at the brake surface showed it distorted and rippled.
I was told the drums tend to corrode between the alloy casting and the ferrous liner, causing an uneven surface. This qualifies as uneven I think!
Anyway, I bought new ones from Rossefields (£37 each) and transferred the recently fitted bearings, using heat on the drums to slacken the bearings. I also painted the drum outsides, paying particular attention to the edges where I think moisture might be getting in. When I take the drums off they will be put carefully stud side down to avoid scratching of this area.
The effect of fitting a new drum was dramatic :oD not only did all the uneven braking disappear, but the handbrake was even more effective and can lock the back wheels on the move if pulled firmly. Releasing the handbrake also lets the wheel turn very freely, with no annoying drag - drag - drag effect.
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