Grinding noise from the rear when brakes?

SHERMRIS

MEMBER
1996 BUICK CENTURY
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
71,000 MILES

I am hearing a grinding noise from the rear of the car when the brakes are applied. I had assumed the cause was worn brake shoes. I removed both wheels to inspect the brake shoes and found that both side were in excellent condition, (showed very little wear), and the drums were in good condition. There was no sign of wheel cylinders leaking and the brakes did not grind when the drum was turned by hand. I also removed the front wheels to ensure that the grinding noise was not coming from the front. The front brake pads were over 50% intact. Do you have any idea what could be causing this grinding noise?

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

If you are hearing this when the brakes are pressed, then we more than likely have dirt or debris on the braking surface, and this is what is grinding.

What I would suggest is if the shoes are new or in good condition, scuff them using an abrasive pad and then clean and scuff the drums. Basically, you want to use a cleaning wheel for the drums because you don't want to remove any material.

Otherwise, you are going to have to replace them.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-rear-brake-shoes-and-drums

I am attaching the process below on how to replace these. We should measure the shoe anyway just to confirm what you are looking at.

Let me know what questions you have on this.

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