rear brake grinding noise

[andrew_alfonso]

Having 155K miles on my 01 Solara, I started to hear grinding noise coming from my rear drum brakes. Never been replaced since buying the car new, I thought my rear brake shoes were worn out and due for replacement.
When I opened it, there is 75% left on the lining (I already bought new OEM brake shoes, compared it side to side) and thinking that I don't need to replace it. My drum rotor has no visible wear, so I just cleaned the whole thing with brake cleaner and light sanding on the brake lining, to remove any glazing. When I had placed everything back, I still hear the grinding noise, and I am 99.99% sure that it is coming from the rear passenger drum brake. What could be the cause? Do I still need to replace the brake shoes anyways, or the drum rotor?

[dug320]

Have a look at the parking brake cable and the parking brake system within the drum.

[andrew_alfonso]

Thanks dug320. I followed your advice and checked it, looks like nothing seems to be loose or near the rotating parts that would cause the grinding noise.
Do you think is it because the linings are 9 years old and starting to "age", even though there are still a lot left? How about changing the drum rotors instead of the brake linings, will it help remove the grinding? Or am I just going to waste money?

[dug320]

If you pulled the drum and had a look at the shoes you would probably see the bottoms worn down and the shoes no longer round. I would replace the drums, the shoes and hardware. All should be done (hardware you could get away with not doing, but they are so inexpensive it is not worth by-passing). New drums are better than turned but if cost is an issue turning is acceptable (if there is enough drum left over after turning.

Does the parking brake work? Test to see if it holds the car before you start replacing. If it does not hold adjust.

See if that stops the noise. If not then replace the components.

[andrew_alfonso]

Yes the parking brake is working fine, although I did notice the lever is a bit high prior to removal. I opened it again yesterday and decided to change out the drum rotors. Also adjusted the parking brake a few clicks tighter, with the clearance just snug of the drum rotors.

Finally --- the grinding noise is gone! I am suspecting the combination of new drum rotors and the adjustment of the parking brake did the problem! I will update this post after a few months and see if the noise will come back, Thank you!