I asked a local brake shop if they could turn the rear brake drums on my BT7. He said he could if he could find the specs. I understand there may not be any specs for these drums or a least that's what I've read. If so, what is the solution? These drums have never been turned since new so there should be enough metal to turn them at least once. Any ideas?
Rob,
I tried to get my BJ8's drums turned by a local parts shop that I've bought from for years (they do basic machining as well). They told me there were no specs, and they wouldn't touch them because, in California at least, the (criminal) penalties are severe for anyone who would do this (if they get caught, of course). I have no reason not to believe them, as they've turned drums from other cars for me before.
There's a reason for this law and I wouldn't trust anyone who was willing to do it. Unless the drums are seriously scored I'd just put new shoes in and break them in best you can (maybe a dozen hard stops in reverse, with a cooling period in between). That's what I did and have not experienced any issues; I've found the choice of pads on the front disks has more effect than anything. If the drums are seriously scored you'll just have to spring for new ones. Last I checked, they're hard if not impossible to find, but it's been a few years so they might be available now.
BTW, my drums were balanced and I still have scuttle shake. The other 'consensus' is that wheel and tire truing is the cause (the systemic cause being inherent weaknesses in the chassis and frame).