G 1500 1/2 Ton Van V6-4.3L VIN W (1997)
Brake Drum: Testing and Inspection
Cracked, Scored, or Grooved
A cracked brake drum is unsafe for further service and must be replaced. Do not attempt to weld a cracked drum. Smooth up any slight scores. Heavy or
extensive scoring will cause excessive shoe wear, and it may be necessary to resurface the rear drum braking surface. If the shoes are slightly worn (but
still reusable) and the rear brake drum is grooved, polish the drum with a fine emery cloth but do not refinish. Eliminating all grooves in the drum and
smoothing the ridges on the shoes would require removing too much material. If left alone, the grooves and ridges match and satisfactory service can be
obtained. If you are replacing the rear brake shoes, always refinish a grooved rear brake drum. Using a grooved drum with new rear brake shoes will
wear the shoes and make proper brake performance difficult to obtain.
