Brake Drum Refinishing Used Brake Drum Refinishing

If a drum must be refinished, remove only enough metal to obtain a true, smooth braking surface. If a drum does not clean up when refinished to a maximum inside diameter, it must be replaced.

Removal of more metal will affect heat dissipation and may cause drum distortion.

When refinishing drums, always use sharp cutting tools or bits. Dull or worn tools leave a poor surface finish which will affect braking performance. Vibration dampening attachments should always be used when refinishing braking surfaces. These attachments eliminate tool chatter and will result in better surface finish.

The optimum spindle speed for refinishing braking surfaces is spindle 200 RPM. Crossfeed for rough cutting should range from 0.25 to 0.15 mm (0.010 to 0.006 in) per revolution. Finish cuts should be made at crossfeeds no greater than 0.05 mm (0.002 in) per revolution.

After refinishing, replace any drum that exceeds inner diameter specifications.