Newbie questions......I bought a 99 XJ about 1-1/2 years ago and was replacing the brakes. They weren't worn out yet, but the fronts squealed a bit and I wanted to try to make it stop better. When I removed the shoes and cleaned the dust off, I noticed some wear on the rear backing plate (I've only got one side off at this time). I'm pretty sure that I know the answer, but is this how the plates are supposed to look? If not, does anyone know a good source for reasonably priced replacements? Any suggestions on how to avoid this problem from recurring once I've replaced them? Thanks!

 

Put a small amount of synthetic wheel bearing grease (or brake grease if you can find it) on the pivots on the backing plate.

 

Thanks for the quick reply! Noted on greasing the pivot points....I'll definitely do that. My concern is that the worn areas will keep the shoes from moving freely, even with grease. Should I replace the plates?

 

Its normal wear... I would not change them yet. Its from the old shoes rubbing on the backing plates from a lack of lube on the slide pads its where the brake shoes pivot when appling the brakes and the shoes returning the back to the released position... Like xj said just lube the flat spots.. I use sil glide or synthetic grease for brake use any parts house should have it....

 

The return springs have more than enough pull to return the shoes to the rest position....

 

Thanks for the info. I've finished the job and the brakes work great!