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MG MGA - warped brake drum, turn or replace?

Hi all, dealing with a warped left rear drum I presume, on my 1960 MGA. Lot's of pulsing in the pedal and a cyclical grinding/squeal coming from the left rear when the brakes are applied. It got bad enough yesterday where I started smelling burnt lining. I pulled both rear drums off and the left bottom brake shoe has an abnormal looking wear scuff in the middle and towards the inner edge of the shoe.
The right wasn't near as bad.
So I figure the drum is warped.
Is it worth having them turned or should I just go for a new set of drums?
R emgeeaa

Probably finding out what the actual problem is. A bent half shaft can give a similar indication. Check the half shaft, using a dial indicator, to see it it may be bent. Then, have the interior of the brake drum checked to see how much, if any, it is out of round and to determine what the actual interior measurement is. If it is our of round, and will clean up within factory tolerances, you might decide to get it turned.

I would, also, check out how the brakes have been assembled and compare it to the diagram in the factory workshop manual. If the brakes are not assembled correctly, if parts are worn or nor in specification, you can have a problem similar to what you describe.

A squeal and/or grinding noise normally indicates metal to metal contact somewhere. Find out where, then, with all of the information in hand, decide what is best for you.

Les
Les Bengtson

I agree. These drums are way under stressed and unlikely to warp, even if abused - even on the front of a hard driven 1500. I'd be looking for a bad hub bearing, the car is falling down when the bad side comes around and riding on the brake shoe.

FRM
FR Millmore

This thread was discussed between 22/08/2010 and 23/08/2010

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