Drum Diameter Measurement
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Buick Regal, 2003 Buick Century, 2002 Buick Regal, and 2002 Buick Century. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Clean the brake shoe lining contact surface of the brake drum with denatured alcohol or an equivalent brake cleaner.
- Using a brake drum micrometer calibrated in thousands of an inch, measure and record the largest diameter of the brake drum at 4 or more points, equally spaced around the drum. Ensure the measurements are only taken within the brake shoe lining contact area. The micrometer much be positioned the same distance from the outside edge of the drum for each measurement.
- Compare the largest diameter measurement recorded to the following specifications:
- Brake drum maximum allowable diameter after refinishing.
- Brake drum discard diameter.
- If the largest diameter measurement of the brake drum is less than the maximum allowable diameter after refinishing specification; the drum may be refinished, depending upon surface and wear conditions.
- If the largest diameter measurement of the brake drum is equal to or greater than the maximum allowable diameter after refinishing specification; the drum may not be refinished.
- If the largest diameter measurement of the brake drum is equal to or greater than the discard diameter specification; the drum requires replacement.