What should be done about rusted brake drums?

Answer by  marty (49)

Take half a days worth of time and paint your drums. Jack the car as you would changing a tire, support the vehicle, remove the wheel. Make sure you get some "drum and caliper" paint. Tape off and cover all that doesn't need paint. Follow the manufacturer's suggested dry time.

Answer by  dx10 (144)

Rust on the outside of the brake drum is nothing to worry about. It can be cleaned with a medium-strength wire brush. If the inside of the drum is severely rusted, it will negatively impact braking performance. In this case, the drums need to be resurfaced or replaced. It is not an expensive job.

Answer by  Serafinah (232)

Rusted brake drums can be taken to a local automotive shop to be sanded. By sanding away the rust the drums will function MUCH better; having said that, however, they do not make the drums new - they merely add some life to already USED drums, so be careful to ask the shop to check them for patency.

Answer by  Lordschild (1398)

If you're mechanically inclined you can take your drums off if they aren't already off and have them turned at a parts store or repair shop with the proper equipment. Brake drums aren't hard to remove just remove the tires and pull them off. They may be stubborn since they are rusty.

Answer by  buggy418 (632)

Loosen your lugs and take the tire off. Remove the rust by wire brushing the drum. Spray the drum to get all the rust off of it. Apply a good primer coat of paint and paint it the color of your choice. I recommend Rustoleum paint. Allow to dry and replace the tire.