Is it good/bad/neutral to blow out all the brake dust that has built up in the rear drum brakes?

I usually don't blow it out because that powder can be hazardous to your health. I buy a large can of brake cleaning fluid and spray the heck out of the drum and let the wet powder run off. This way you don't breath the crap.


Originally posted by Corpsie
Is it good/bad/neutral to blow out all the brake dust that has built up in the rear drum brakes?

Using brake parts cleaner will clean a lot more off too. I did this yesterday and it made a noticeable difference.

No Question, parts cleaner is the way to go.

I usually put a coffee can under the brakes and it all goes in there.

aww, just because it's carcinogenic doesn't mean it's all that bad. heheh (I can't tell you how many times I've gotten a lung full of that crap)

alright, as long as I'm not doing any damage, i'll continue to do it.

Well, it's your lungs...but I would still go with the parts cleaner. It gets a lot more stuff off, and you don't risk breaking one of the springs, etc.

I don;t think it actually helps or hurts anything. Because I'm anal about it I tend to dump mine when they're off. But I bet its back in less than 500 miles.

...the more I think about it.... it probably is a good idea. The automatic brake shoe adjuster for the parking brake is probably the only thing that needs cleaning/lubrication in that area.