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I have a 1997 Chevy Suburban and the brakes suddenly started feeling spongy (which is a different question) - I went through to inspect all my brakes and front brake pads look fine/reasonable wear, and the passenger side brake drum pad looks about the same wear as the front disc brakes.

However the drivers side rear drum brake the shoes are worn down probably 2x as much, I'd guess that they probably should be replaced at this point. But the drums feel fine - no visual grooves and they feel smooth when I run my fingernails in and out on the drums.

Is that kind of uneven wear between passenger/drivers side normal? Or does that indicate some other issue?

Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2
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Wayne Werner
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1 Answers1

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No, it is not normal.

Possible causes -

  • The less worn side shoes have been replaced more recently than the other
  • The hand/emergency brake cable is badly adjusted
  • The hand/emergency brake cable is damaged/corroded/seized on the worn side
  • The brake mechanism is slightly seized on the worn side
  • The hydraulic brake cylinder is seizing on the worn side

It is a common misconception that the brake that is least worn is not working properly. The most likely thing is that the most worn side is not releasing properly after braking, which causes increased wear.

What I would do to start with is to safely raise both back wheels off the ground. Ideally support them on axle stands so that they are at their normal running height compared to the body. Press the foot brake very hard, then release. Pull the hand/emergency brake hard then release it. Then try to rotate both back wheels by hand. Is one more dufficult to turn than the other?

It is possible that something only seizes when the brakes are hot, but this is a good place to start.

HandyHowie
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