Just put new drums on back, do I need to replace shoes too?

[Tuffguy610]

Hey guys,
I replaced my old, original 135,000 mile rear drums with new units from advance auto. While doing this, I noticed that my rear shoes still have plenty of meat on them, so I left them on. Now I have a nasty shudder that seems to permeate through all four wheels when I apply my brakes. Is this because I didnt change the shoes while changing the drums? Maybe the shoes aren't accustomed to the new diameter of the unused drums? I'm trying to track this shudder down any advice is appreciated. I will add that my brake pedal is functioning properly otherwise and does not seem to indicate a faulty master cylinder.

[renchjeep]

Sounds to me like the new drums are out-of-round. Have them checked/machined.

[azu]

My money is on the shoes. They are not matching up with the drums and thus causing the vibration. Get new shoes.

[00Beast]

My money is on the shoes. They are not matching up with the drums and thus causing the vibration. Get new shoes.

Shoes seat to the drums, so if your old drums were out of round, then the shoes will be too. Replace them, lube everything and give the wheel cylinders a good inspection. If they're questionable, replace them now.

[willwren]

Drums and shoes should always be replaced as a set, and there really are no exceptions.

[renchjeep]

Also, check your lug nut torque, and use the proper torque sequence.

And as far as my experiences go, I have never seen brake shoes cause a brake shudder. Only bad or out-of-round drums. I once put a new set of front drums on a 69 Cutlass while doing a front brake job (wheel cylinders and hardware only, the shoes were fine), and the car was *dang* near undriveable! The drums were cheap, and made in Brazil. I spent twice the money on some USA made new drums, and the braking was perfect. Same shoes.

Maybe the hub hole was not fitting the hub tightly enough? You may want to check that out, as well.

[Tuffguy610]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I figured I'd let some of you comment before coming back. I've been driving my Camaro around lately till I figure this out while the weather is still decent. To answer some of your questions, I tighten the lugs in a star pattern, and tighten them with my four way as tight as I can make them. The drums sit properly and don't get caught on the center of the hub. The shuddering seems to happen at higher speeds, like when I apply the brakes hard as if to stop from 50 mph. If I am in my neighborhood and I gradually apply the brakes to come to a stop from 15 mph, the shudder seems to be minimal. The wheel cylinders are fine, no seepage. Unfortunately I had the brake system open earlier this year on all four wheels as I replaced the front calipers, but I think I can rule those out because everything appears to look operational. Besides, I have bled all four wheels about 4 times since this shuddering started and the bleeding didn't even help. I have also replaced my front rotors and pads twice to try and combat the shuddering so we can rule that out. I guess I'll go and replace the shoes and we'll take it from there.