Cracked, Scored or Grooved

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 pad wear, and it may be necessary to refinish the drum braking surface. If the brake shoes are slightly worn, but still reusable, and the drum is grooved, polish the drum with fine emery cloth but do not refinish. Eliminating all grooves in the drum and smoothing the ridges on the pads would require removing too much metal and pad material, while if left alone, the grooves and ridges match and satisfactory service can be obtained. If brake shoes are to be replaced, refinish a grooved drum. A grooved drum, if used with new shoes, will not only wear the shoes, but will make it difficult, if not impossible, to obtain proper brake performance.