Question on brakes

I was wondering if any of you replaced rear drums and shoes. I just changed my rear brakes on my 95 4x4 V6;new Drums, shoes along with new springs. Got the kit on e bay for $130. Taking the old ones out I noticed weights on the old drums as if they were balanced? Do you need to balance them before installation? I also noticed some vibrations while braking at various speeds usually 60-40? any ideas?

Thanks

 

As for the weights, I would suspect that they are put on there because when they are cast, they come out slightly out of balance. I suspect that an out of balance drum would have a very similar effect to out of balance tire. The drums should already be in balance by the time you get them and you shouldn't need to do anything else.

As far as your vibration goes, I guess it really depends on how bad it is. This is also assuming it only started after you replaced the rear brakes.

Usually if its an "out of round" situation, the pulsing will slow down as you do, like a card in the spokes of a bicycle. Unless its really bad, its unlikely you'd feel it at high speeds though, and be a lot more pronounced (slower pulses) as you slow down.

I'm thinking worst case scenario here, but at this point, I think I'd pull the drums and take a look at them to see if everything still looks ok and everything is still in place. Also check to make sure there aren't any obvious defects on the inside of the drums, or chunks of material missing from the shoes. It never hurts to double check your work after running things a bit as well. And as always, it never hurts to get a professional to double check your work, specially if you're unsure about it.

Of course if its just very minor, maybe just a hard spot on the shoes or very minor defect on the drums it'll work itself out.

I'm not sure if you have ABS or not, but there's a chance that if you do, its related to that, and maybe the reason the rear brakes wore out in the first place.

I guess if the rear brakes haven't been working for a while and now are, could it be some rear suspension or axle problem you're just noticing. Double check your leaf springs, shocks, u-bolts, and wheel bearing to make sure they're all in good working order. (of course we're not even getting into front suspension and brakes, as many things up front can cause some pretty good vibrations on braking.)

Definitely above my pay grade though, but hopefully its a place to start, and dont be shy to take it to a professional.