Parking brake & wheel hub: what to look for?

moonweasel · Post by **moonweasel** » 10 Mar 2018, 11:43

Hey fellas,

I’m changing rear pads and rotors on my ‘02 S60 today, and figure I should inspect the parking brakes while the rotors are off, so my question is, what should I be looking for: what are the signs that maintenance or changing might be needed?

Also, while we’re here, I have the first rotor off, and there is some surface rust on the hub behind it, where the lug nuts bolt into (the ‘hat’?)... I hit it with some brake cleaner and wire brush, but just wondering how much rust is or isn’t acceptable here, or if I should use Ospho or something else on it?

Post by **abscate** » 10 Mar 2018, 12:24

Unless the brake shoes look fat and New, put new ones on. They last about 12-15 years then the linings fall off.

Ignore rust inside the hat, clean with wire brush and reinstall.

Post by **oragex** » 10 Mar 2018, 14:44

I'd clean well the surface where the shoes slide on

moonweasel · Post by **moonweasel** » 10 Mar 2018, 20:16

Looking at pictures of new wheel hubs and mine looks pretty worn... does this need replaced, or does it have some life in it still?

The new rotor seems not to sit as flush as the old ones did (looking at the lug holes there is a small gap on all five, where the old rotor was completely flush).

Post by **abscate** » 11 Mar 2018, 05:40

Those hubs are fine. You might have a little rust lip which is holding up the rotor from sliding on completely. Wire brush them aggressively from the inside of the bolt holes to the snout, then "wet" a paper towel with grease and " lightly grease the outer face of the hub where the rotor touches it. Keep grease away from the brake surfaces , you just want a light film.

That M6 bolt that holds the rotor on can be just finger tight and a tiny tweak with a short wrench. The lug nuts will pull the rotor firmly onto the hub,not to worry.

Replacing those hubs is a big job too, they are integral with the wheel bearing so they'd run 100-125 a piece plus 2-3 hours

Those brake linings look good, I would run them.

Almost done!!

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 11 Mar 2018, 08:04

I employ the "sand where they land" advice for brake rotors and wheels.
Using a wire wheel thoroughly clean where the rotor contacts the hub and where the wheel contacts the rotor.
A lot of stuff flies off.