Hi all,

 

My 1991 Loyale 5-speed 4WD station wagon was having some brake issues, including the "Brake Fluid" indicator light coming on and some pulsing when depressing the brake pedal.

 

Since this car is new to me, I removed both rear brake drums to investigate the condition of the rear brakes. The driver's side needs replacement. The spring clips fell to the ground in pieces when I removed the drum; the shoes are glazed and gouged; there is visible brake fluid behind one of the wheel cylinder's rubber boots; and the drum's inner surface is very noticeably rounded. The passenger's side, on the other hand, all looks to be in good shape; it appears that the passenger's side was overhauled somewhat recently.

 

I am under the impression that for brake jobs the repairs should be symmetrical; that is, any part I replace on the driver's side should also be replaced on the passenger's side. In my case, that would mean new shoes, hardware, wheel cylinder and a re-surfaced drum for both wheels, even though it appears the passenger's side is in good shape.

 

I am looking for advice on how to proceed.

 

Thank you!

Brake shoes are only sold in sets. You can't buy shoes for just one wheel. Brake hardware costs very little. So just replace everything on both sides. And I would replace both drums since one has to be replaced anyways. 

Like john in KY said, do em both. It may seem wasteful but keep any good parts. They may come in handy if problems reappear in the near future.

If your warning lights come on it may be the sign of a failing alternator.  Was your brake fluid level low in the master cylinder?

 

On my 92 FWD I replaced only one wheel cylinder on the driver side rear about two years ago.  Everything is fine.  So if your pads still have some meat left, live it alone.

 

Goo luck,

Sam

If your ready and willing to do the job, just replace everything. As mentioned above, parts are cheap. Peace of mind will only cost you about $60 and some time. Small price to pay imo. Make sure you get fwd brake kits. The 4wd is slightly different. Read up on adjusting the back brakes, as they are manual adjust, not auto.