Violent clunking into stop

IMO the driver side drum/shoes looks contaminated with either brake fluid or gear oil, passenger side shows normal wear. The uneven wear on the shoes is normal too, no worries there. Look for a bad wheel cylinder or axle seal on the driver side. The drums also look as if someone heated the brakes, and then went across a water crossing, creating 'heat spots', tempering spots on the drum that makes those areas harder than the rest of the drum. Resurface the drums when you do a full brake job, hopefully those heat spots will be removed after turning. Hope this helps.

 

I didn’t even notice that. I think that’s the drivers side. I’ll look at that side again too. Thanks

 

I used a wire wheel last time I had my drums off and cleaned the edges and contact area to remove any slag or built up corrosion.

I also ran some sandpaper lightly over the shoes. I have never changed my rear shoes in the 15 years I've owned my truck

 

I didn't notice any oily residue or gear oil smell and my brake fluid level has remained stable. I'll check for bad axle seals like @Timmah! has recommended in another thread.

 

Guess what decided to make itself obvious today ...



@Aught2TaCO called it. Looks like contaminated shoes on the drivers side are the culprit

 

Note that I had/have a similar clunking and also had/have a leaking rear axle oil seal. Strangely I repaired the seal and still got some clunking afterwards. Maybe the seal is leaking again or it’s just residual contaminant or it’s brake fluid... or just water? It’s been good for the last week or so.

 

Did you change the shoes and clean/turn the drums?

 

I had a mechanic do the seals so I don’t know how well it was cleaned after. I doubt the drums were turned. Pads looked better (more life, more uniform) than yours but probably had oil residue on them still. If it starts clunking again (it has clunked since the repair, but isn’t currently) I’ll crack open the drum and take a look.