Rear Brake Drum Turning

[newkitman]

Took my rear brake drums to the machine shop to have them turned. Machinist said they were getting close to the max diameter of 9.114-inches. He said that after turning them this time it’ll be the last time they can be turned and still be within limits. So he turned the right drum without a problem. The left drum was ridiculous. Had some rough corrosion on one spot and his bit has three sides. The rust was so hard that it ruined all three sides of his cutting chisel. Now I’m left with a good, turned rear brake drum and needing a new one. So I turn to you good folks for input. Can I use one turned drum and one new one? Should I just get two new drums? I’m leaning towards the one new drum but can get two if needed. My worry, if you will, is safety. So, that’s all the news that’s fit to be news. And if you know what show that line comes from…………….you’re old!!!  (he he)

Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The Shack

[edward ericson]

You can run one new and one turned. They will wear a bit differently but on the rears and with this car you’d never notice. Just make sure you pack the bearings nice and torque the nuts down hard (280-300 ft-lbs) when you put ’em back. 

[billnparts]

The brake manufacturers will tell you to replace them in pairs due to the variance in the thickness of the metal and heat distribution.
I do sell single drums to garages all the time for their customers working on price alone.
With a new rear drum apx. $60 I think it’s your call.

Bill Ascheman
Fiberfab Ford
Modified 5.0, 5sp., 4:11
Autocross & Hillclimb
"Drive Happy"

[Anonymous]

    Kitman: It is possible to use a new drum with an old one there can be problems. Old drum can hard spots in it. can cause distortion of the drum. With drum nearing limit it might be a better solution but more cost to replace both drums. Next time you need drums turned you know you can turn them and will not have to replace. Call is owner, driver, bill payer of car.

  Or as old advertising saying ” you can pay me now or pay me later”.

[newkitman]

Thanks for all the input gang. I really do appreciate it. After considering your input and considering all the pros and cons I decided to go with two new brake drums. Checked several parts houses and found a seller on ebay selling new drums for 47.39 each with free shipping so I ordered two. Although I’m really anxious to get Moeypenny built and drive her I know that stopping her is a good thing as well. If I err, I want to err on the side of safety.

As soon as they come in I’ll get the rears completed and head to the FL. Bug Jam and get two new floor pan halves. And after Thanksgiving, I’ll mount the body on the chassis. Pictures to follow as soon as the chassis is assembled.

Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The Shack

[edward ericson]

Good call. 

[Paul Mossberg]

I agree. For the price, it makes no sense to keep the old drum on one side.

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

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