Cracked, Scored, or Grooved Drum

Replace a cracked drum, for it is unsafe for further use. Do not attempt to weld a cracked drum. Smooth out any light scores. Heavy or extensive scoring will cause excessive lining wear, and it may be necessary to resurface the drum braking surface. If the linings are slightly worn yet usable and the drum is grooved, polish the drum with fine emery cloth; do not refinish it. Eliminating all drum grooves and smoothing the lining ridges would require removing too much metal and lining, while if left alone, the grooves and ridges match and satisfactory service can be obtained. However, if brake linings are to be replaced, refinish a grooved drum. If a grooved drum is used with new lining, it will wear the lining, making proper brake performance difficult to obtain.