Author Topic: Can a brake drum be turned? (Read 2115 times)

demented · « **on:** March 26, 2011, 01:09:42 AM »

Neighbors kid has a '03 Honda Recon, someone removed the rear shoes, this allowed the steel liners to rust badly. Is there anything that can be done to get by with this drum? A new drum will cost $200 by the time sales tax is added.

fatercat · « **Reply #1 on:** March 26, 2011, 03:59:08 AM »

sure, take to a good brake man.

Old Syko · « **Reply #2 on:** March 26, 2011, 04:55:24 AM »

We've turned them, but you want to keep the amount taken out to a bare minimum if this is what you choose to do, since they're very thin to start with. Some rust solvent and sand paper will clean them up good enough to work well since they aren't critical like a drum or rotor on your car. Sandpaper and a little elbow grease is your best choice. They don't have to be perfectly clean to begin with. They are sort of self cleaning.

KNIFE_NUT_1981 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 06, 2012, 09:55:57 AM »

Sure can. I've turned them myself, but only if they are warped. There is normally no minimum thickness marked on them, since they were never meant to be turned in the first place, but just be mindfull of the thickness as you're turning them, and use your good judgement and you SHOULD be ok. Don't go too thin, or it will warp in no time, and you will HAVE to spend the $300 for a new one. However, if it's not warped, I agree with the sandpaper thing, but a good 4 inch grinder with a cup brush attachment beforehand will make it much easier. Might even be suitable after the brush job without any sanding...

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #4 on:** April 07, 2012, 12:19:32 AM »

Im with the others. Ive never turned them but have just cleaned them up with some emery paper and theyve worked fine. I wouldnt even worry about the deaper groves as the pads will were to fit them.