I know that most disk brakes begin to squeal when they are wearing down. My question is do worn drum brake shoes make sounds that are easily identified? I have a slight grind that turns into more of a whining sound at 25-55 then fades away. Brakes?

 

I would think the rivets are worn through the shoes.. Time to replace..

 

Thanks JAYSSICKXJ! I lived in Glenwood Springs CO for 7 years. I miss the mountains and I would've loved to have my xj there! I'm new to Jeeps and don't understand drum brakes but it sounds right....hope its just brakes!

 

Anyone else experienced that sound? Is it just my brakes or something more sever?

 

Pull your drum and have a good look, both sides, it's worth the time.
Did the Peep brakes at XMas, pedal travel was getting longer and brakes poorer, pulled drum last week, full of MUD.
Quick fix with the hose, air blow dry, relube the adjusters and reset the shoes in the drum. Pedal up again and brakes are sharp.
You should take a look at yours, they may not be worn out. The adjusters are the first thing that stops working, even though you lube the heck out of them. I added some silicon sealant to the entry points of my ebrake cables while at it, can't hurt.
I find I have to service my rears 3-4 times a year to keep em sharp thru the life of the shoes.

 

I do feel like the pedal response is very spongy but the vehicle is new to me so I don't have anything to compare it to. I will dig into the drums but have no experience, if I have to change out the shoes is it complicated? If I have to pay to have it done how much $ am I looking at?

 

You can do it yourself, google for many videos and procedures. Get "good" parts for good value and life, cheap parts are too cheap. Don't need to get "best" parts, too expensive. Set of shoes for about 50, drums at 50-60 each, springs/hardware kit for 15. Make sure your adjusters are disassembled, well lubed and rotate by hand. Your brake cylinders must not be leaking or you will need to replace. Your lines must be in excellent condition, weepy lines will not do it. You need to be able to stand on the brakes and the hydraulic pressure must be contained. Google for back ground information. Call some shops of good repute for estimates.