High pitched noise while driving after changing drum brakes?

Question

Ok, just changed my rear drum brakes in my car yesterday (that really sucked more than I thought it would).  Now, while driving I hear a weird, constant, high pitched noise coming from one of the rear wheels.  It's pretty much a constant noise, and stops when I apply the brake, and sometimes when I go over bumps.  I'm guessing the noise is coming from something barely rubbing.  Is this normal for replacing new drum brakes?  If not, how do I fix it?

BiggyBear · Accepted Answer

There are three things I can think of. Mis installed brake shoes. Faulty springs or worn out springs. Lastly wheel bearing. You did not state whether you had changed the springs when you changed the shoes. I have had old brake springs fall off after a brake job. They set in the bottom of the drum and get ground up. That in turn could cause a squell in the drum brake area. The ground up brake spring etc could get into the bearing and cause the bearing to fail. You also didn't say if you had your drums turned or new drums. The brakes are not a place to cheap out on. They are trusted with your life.  Get a certified machanic to check them for you. Good luck.

? · Answer

Sometimes, what can happen with drum brakes is that the surfaces of the brake shoes that contact the backing plate will cause a high pitched squeak or squeal that can be very annoying.  

This can be fixed by applying a little anti-seize compound to the brake backing plates at those locations where the edge of the brake shoe contacts the backing plate.

See video below for more information.

High pitched noise while driving after changing drum brakes?

2 Answers