Brake job without turning drums??

[jodyberry]

I know I should always turn the drums when changing rear brake shoes, but I wondered if I could get by without turning them?

They seem smooth without any grooves or anything.

The thing is, that when I did the rotors in front, they were so thin they weren't able to turn them (legally). So I ended up getting new rotors. Not too bad since I found them for about $40 each.

But the drums are over $100 each at my local auto parts. A Chrysler mechanic said the factory makes the rotors so thin that they are basically "throw away" items. I didn't know if the drums are the same way.

So two questions then;

1. Could I just "rough up" the existing drums with sandpaper and let the new shoes wear into them?

or

2. Is there a place anybody knows that have decent (at least OEM) drums for $40 or $50 each?

Thanks all,

Bill

[CREWZIN]

Since I didn't know the particulars of your cruiser, I used mine (2001) and went to the Auto Zone on-line store. New brake drums were $30.99.

But back to your question. I did my own rear brakes and took the drums to a local shop that only cost me $10 per drum to turn them down. They said they weren't too bad but I had them done anyway. You can probably get away without turning them if you inspect them closely and there's no ridges, pits or anomalies.

[jodyberry]

Thanks Crewzin! Unfortunately they jumped almost 3 times the cost to $105.00 for my '05:

AutoZone.com | Shopping | Parts | Product Detail - Brake Drum - Rear

I'll probably just take them to get turned!

[luvmysxs]

crewzin right, just check auto zone for rear brake drums for 01-02 pt's are $36.99, the 05 must use a different drum

[outfit]

I installed Ceramic pads yesterday... Tirerack did me good... Got away without having to turn ... I looked at them ,both where good to go. Though I would like to add some aftermarket rotors ... Anyone know of a good brand or what is better slotted and drilled or just partial drill ??? Oh I used Satisfied Pro Ceramic Pads .....PR841C ..Oh has anyone used the rotors with the Cryogenic finish??

[nodd89]

for the love of god dont be so damn cheap and just take the rotors to a local shop to get them measured and turned if posible...alway always always turn rotors and drums if posible..im a fan of replacing cause then u garentee that 1/2 thru the set of pads/shoes that u just put on the rotors or drums dont wear down to thin cause shimmy problems and then u just end up replacing everything in the end anyways...

if you cant afford to do it right dont do it at all.
personally i like to fit my car with raybestos drums and rotors and semi metalic friction material.

if anyone else works on cars for a living and has any certification please do but in...

[jodyberry]

Originally Posted by nodd89

for the love of god dont be so damn cheap and just take the rotors to a local shop to get them measured and turned if posible...alway always always turn rotors and drums if posible

Yea, just got 'em turned at a local shop and replaced the shoes.

I agree - they SHOULD be turned. But after doing the front rotors and realizing they're so thin that you CAN'T turn them, I thought the drums might be the same way and that I'd have to buy new drums. WRONG! The shop said I have at least one more turn on my drums.

The old shoes had maybe another 5000 miles on them, but since I already had all the parts (and a RARE free weekend), I thought I'd do them now.

Thanks to all the replies to this post!