Balanced brake drums

[MarkA]

Are the brake drums available from Moss and others balanced?

I haven't had mine checked yet for out-of-round, but do they normally hold up fairly well being hardened? They don't have any surface problems. If they are out-of-round, is it just a throw away?

Thanks,
Mark

 

[BIBBER]

all depends on if it affects the brake pads....if the drums can be resurfaced to spec your OK..if not then yes...throw aways...

 

[Dave Russell]

Hi Mark,
The usual problem was that the drum machining was done off center in the casting. See here: https://www.hendrixwirewheel.com/drums.html

The machined surfaces are round & concentric to each other. It just leaves one wall of the drum thicker than the other & causes balance problems. When a shop balances them they usually weld some weight on the light side.

I hae found the earlier surface hardened drums to have no wear at 90,000 miles. I suspect that even if the friction surfaces were ground to true them, The drums would still last a good long while in the softer state.
D

 

[MarkA]

Are new drums better machined? If new drums are balanced well, I might just get a couple of new drums. If the new drums have the same problem, then I might as well "fix" the original drums. My feeling is that the total cost either way will run about the same (?).

Mark

 

[Patrick67BJ8]

Are new drums better machined? If new drums are balanced well, I might just get a couple of new drums. If the new drums have the same problem, then I might as well "fix" the original drums. My feeling is that the total cost either way will run about the same (?).

Mark

Mark,
I had my drums done by Hendrix when I decided to do a brake job, and new rear wheel bearings and seals. It was good money well spent!! I also had the brake shoes rebuilt with new linings and "matched to the drums". This ensures that they shoes correctly make full contact with the drums surface. Again, money well spent. Can't find someone to do the shoes...let me know? We have a place here in Dallas that does a great job. Brakes felt great the first time I used them and probably the best they've been in several years.
Patrick