Cracked, Scored, or Grooved Drum

WARNING: A cracked 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 brake lining wear, and it may be necessary to refinish the drum braking surface.

If the brake linings are slightly worn (but still re-usable) and the drum is grooved, polish the drum with fine emery cloth, but do not refinish. Eliminating all grooves in brake drums and smoothing ridges on brake linings would require the removal of too much metal and lining. If left alone, the grooves and ridges match and satisfactory service can be obtained.

If brake linings are to be replaced, always refinish a grooved drum. A grooved drum, if used with a new lining, will wear the lining and make proper brake performance difficult to obtain.