Thoughts on brake drums ?

Trucks I work on run heavy, go on and off road, and work in hilly country. Rarely is a drum reusable. Every application and duty cycle is different.

 

I get what you are saying but if a drum doesn't last through two sets of shoes the driver is being way to hard on his brakes. Or you are using shoes that are a much harder material than typical.

 

I like using aggressive lining. And we also have lots hills around here so yes it's new drums everytime. Cost of doing business. To each there own I guess.

 

They are $150 bucks a piece. So that adds up if you are doing 4 to 6. Mine wear just fine, I’ve never had a shoe where in the middle and not on the ends. I’ve also never had a drum break. I’ve seen pieces on the road, but don’t know how they did it. It’s you money and your truck, but recommend practices are to inspect and reuse if they pass. So doing it “right” is not replacing unnecessary parts.

 

I work heavy and run hills too. Off road some, but not like bush trucks. Don’t get me wrong, by all means replace if needed. I just am not replacing mine until I look at them.

 

We run the Gunite 3922X. The 3600X premium drum wouldn't make it two relines. Last cost was $71.50 a drum. Use Abex 685 23K premium lining on power units and Abex 6008 20K premium on trailers.

 

That’s a good price

 

Rush Truck Centers, Cincinnati OH. Paccar is supposed to have a good deal on Gunite drums next month.

 

How many do you buy at a time to get that price?

 

I just looked and Napa wants $164 for the 3922x. I’m sure I can find them cheaper, but not half price