GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Every now and then (10 miles or so). I'll get a howling noise in my right rear drum. The noise ramps up (gets louder) and the only thing that will stop it is if I give the E/parking brake a slight lift which engages the rear drums.I can handle pads and rotors but am lost when it comes to drum brakes. Any idea what's causing this noise and if there's a quick fix?

How many miles on the car?That will give an indication on if you need new shoes back there or not. I would have someone take the drum off the car and inspect. If it has never been off the car before it will not come off willingly for sure! If you have never done drum brakes and are not good with wrenches I suggest you do not try. There are a number of springs that require the proper tools to do the job safely. The shoes must be set before the drum is put back on as well. If your wheel cylinder is leaking then you should replace that too since it would be allowing brake fluid on the shoes and will ruin them. Possibly the parking brake needs to be adjusted but again have the drum taken off the car to inspect. It could also be a bad wheel bearing...

45K on the car. Drums had probably never been off until I had my local shop inspect it before I purchased it (used one older owner). I took a look at everything when the wheels were off and the drums were popped open, pads all around were thick and in good shape.

You will have to pull off the drum to see what might be going on. For me I would assume that it is the fact that the hardware like springs are filled with dirt and brake dust this maybe not allowing for the brakes to move evenly out towards the drum. Just pull off the drum and give it a good cleaning with brake cleaner. Make it look new just be weary of getting the cleaner on the shoe material itself.

Yes the only way to tell what is going back there is another inspection.

oh quick tip - found it on here a long time ago, to get the drum off, theres 2 little holes in it, put bolts in those and screw 1/2-1 turn then do the other and the drum will come off nice and easy.

http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=31551Give this thread a try. A bunch of us had this discussion a while ago and got some great info out of it.

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »oh quick tip - found it on here a long time ago, to get the drum off, theres 2 little holes in it, put bolts in those and screw 1/2-1 turn then do the other and the drum will come off nice and easy.There is about 2 or 2.5 worth of threads in these holes. Plus all the rust in the threads at about a 1/4 inch thickness of metal. If an 8 lb hammer had trouble getting the drums to break free, these holes do not stand a chance. I think these holes are for brand new assemble at the factory only. The service manuals do not make mention of using these holes either.