Pontiac Repair: Rear brake drums, rear brake drums, rear drums

Question
Hello Mr. Puccio. I hope you can answer a question about rear brakes/drums. 1998 Buick Century. I know you're listed under Pontiac, but all the other GM volunteers were over loaded with questions or on vacation. Had brake job done at Just Brakes here in Dallas, Texas. Over $730 for front and rear. After only 3100 miles I start hearing my left rear brake making sounds like the brake shoe is rubbing against drum. I take it back and they adjust both rear drums.

I know they over adjusted the brakes because after a 25-30 mile drive Saturday I noticed a hot brake shoe smell. I go back and touch the wheels and they are very warm to hot. Right rear was hotter than left. I am taking it back to Just Brakes Monday. I should have taken my car to someone else, but too late now. If the outside wheels were that warm, I wonder how hot the drums got. I can say very hot. I'm sure the shoes are scorched after a 30 minute drive. I have a feeling that all they will do is just sand down the shoes and loosen up the adjustment.

But what about the drums? Could they be scorched (whatever) and needing to be turned on a lathe? I just want your opinion so I can have something to go on if they deny anything being wrong with the drums. I hope the drums are ok.

Sorry this was long. Felt like I needed to tell you everything possible. Thank you. Kevin

Answer
Hi Kevin:

well it's hard to say what was cauing the noise in the first place it could have just been a build up of dust making the noise. no that being said a lot of those "quick brake job places" use cheap parts. Sorry for saying that but they do! cheap parts especailly brakes make noise!!! that may have been the root cause. as for the brakes bing over adjusted I think your right they more than likley did. If you didn't drive it for a long time like that you should be okay and if you allowed them to cool down fully before you drove it again they should be okay but without seeing it it's hard to say.. The only thing I would be leary about is if the wheel cylinders they can start to leak if they were overheated especially if they are the original ones on the car. they are noted for leaking on these cars anyways let alone being overheated.. Good luck :)