Topic: Seized Rear Drum Brakes: Repair Cost - Mazda Pickup?

[davidy]

I just had my beater serviced and prepped for winter (studded winter tires put on). It's a 1996 Mazda B3000 pickup with about 154,400 km. Inspection report said that the rear brake drums were seized...rear drums were stuck on as brake shoes had been over-adjusted and were rubbing even when not applied. Rear drums are over their maximum diameter. Recommend replacing. Rated 3.5/5 (5 is safety/hazardous and 1 is minor).

What is the rear drum replacement cost include parts and labour? Parts are like $100-$110 each drum (shoe?). $120 for labour (each or pair?). Total $400-$500 before tax?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Also, noticed that the tires still have lotsa tread (BFG All Terrain T/A KO), but are dated in late 2004.....7 years old. Cost for replacement tires is $600-$700. Ouch!

Dave

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Maybe not the greatest DIY video, but it'll give you an idea of what's going on in there. As long as the hydraulics are working ok, replacing the springs, actuators and shoes is pretty straight forward.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOvSH-mLhRE

[davidy]

Maybe not the greatest DIY video, but it'll give you an idea of what's going on in there. As long as the hydraulics are working ok, replacing the springs, actuators and shoes is pretty straight forward.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOvSH-mLhRE

Thanks, but I am not that handy.....have topped up fluids, torque nuts on wheels, installed soft tonneau cover and that's about it.

Just wondering if $400-$500 before tax is an accurate estimate of this type of work.

Dave

[Flinter]

The parts price can vary quite widely depending on the vehicle/source but $400-$500 sounds about right for this kind of job. Typically, you are looking at $50-$100 for each drum, $50-$100 for a set of brake shoes, and probably a couple of hours of labor.

If you don't often use your park brakes often you may also need to replace your park brake cables as they can become seized over time due to corrosion and lack of use.

[rrocket]

I see in the US (RockAuto, where I buy much of my stuff) drums are as cheap as $20 ea. and shoes ~$15.  So about $75 for the big parts+shipping.  It should take a competent mechanic no more than 30-45 minutes per side.  $400 seems much to high for me.

[maritime_storm]

"rear drums were stuck on as brake shoes had been over-adjusted and were rubbing even when not applied. Rear drums are over their maximum diameter. Recommend replacing. Rated 3.5/5 (5 is safety/hazardous and 1 is minor)."

Nobody else see something fishy here? Shoes are over adjsuted, adjust the brakes, adjusters can free-ed or replaced as need be if the shoes are in good condition(it wasn't mentioned they weren't). Did the tech measure the drums or just look at them is my next question. Not many techs keep a set of drum calipers in tool box anymore, and a measuring tape won't be accurate. You may want consider getting a second opinion before throwing parts at her. To replace shoes, adjusters, combi & drums at a shop you're in the right ballpark estimate wise.

[davidy]

Thanks for the replies.

Yes, I have been considering a second opinion. Although I have been going to that auto repair facility for several years, I have noticed a change in staff...especially in the service adviser that I was comfortable with (he is no longer there...all new front staff). Also, I wasn't too pleased that one of my non-winter tires was splashed or placed in part in oil and then put into the bed of my truck. I will have to clean that tire up today (will take a picture for future reference). Conversation about high mileage oil wasn't as smooth as it should have been....probably need to look for a new shop.

Dave

[ktm525]

Drum brakes on a mini pickup probablty provide about 5% of your stopping power. If they aren't dragging then they really won't harm you. You should get someone to dissasemble and clean up the drums etc.

[davidy]

Drum brakes on a mini pickup probablty provide about 5% of your stopping power. If they aren't dragging then they really won't harm you. You should get someone to dissasemble and clean up the drums etc.

I think that the brakes are dragging (see report in first post)....on the last long trip (1400+ km), for the first two thirds, I was averaging 10.5 L/100 km. The last third, it went up to 11.0 L/100 km. No change driving style. Same highway for the 1st and 3rd. Previously, I tend to get about 10-10.5 L/100 km on the highway.

Dave

[ktm525]

Are the rear wheels getting warm? If they are dragging your drum is going to get warm/hot while driving down the road. Drive a bit and then pull over and feel the drums. Will the truck roll downa slight incline? Can you push it?