Brake drum got super hot. Need to replace?

Hey guys,
I just did a complete rear brake job on my 05 Tacoma, and gotta say it was really satisfying to finally get it all done and put together. The one thing that I guess I didn’t do properly was adjust the drivers side shoes so that they were free enough, and after I went for a test drive (about 10km going 100+km/hr) I noticed the drivers side brake drum was just cooking hot. The passenger side was just warm like it’s supposed to be. I pulled the drum and inspected it and it looks okay, and after proper re-adjustment it’s now warm just like the other side. My one concern is that I overheated the drum... is that even possible? If so, should I buy a new one?
Thanks

 

Here is the procedure to properly adjust the rear brakes. If it feels and stops fine I wouldn't worry about it.

 

You can't damage the drum with heat, it's cast iron.

 

@Trident904 his drum caught fire and after he replaced the springs and shoes works fine

 

Thanks! I’ll do that

 

It feels fine when braking. I was just worried about “glazing” or “blueing” the drum just like what happens when a rotor overheats. Thanks for the info though guys

 

So while its unfortunate that you missed that step, its not a total loss as your description of the after effects don't show signs of any issues. The drum is probably still perfectly round (you'd hear and feel if it weren't) and its probably within max diameter spec.

If you're really worried about it, then you can replace it. But my recommendation would be to properly inspect drum with a Vernier caliper, make sure it measures the same Inside diameter at 3-4 different points (checking for out of round) then make sure its within the max diameter. if good, then readjust the shoes per JimmyH provided instructions and carry on with a job well done and lesson learned.

 

I read on another thread where the guy activated the ebrake 7-10 clicks then adjusted the brakes till the wheels locked up.
I tried it on my last brake job and it worked perfectly. Easier than trying to back off the star wheel imo

 

There are lots of methods to adjust the brakes. I prefer using what the designers and engineers decided was correct.

But that's just me.

 

I don't understand how that is easier or more effective?
and I also think that's a good method for adjusting the cable mechanism parking brake but not the actual hydraulic drum brakes, you also need to be adjusting per OEM recommendations at the drum because hardware maybe be different on each corner. what if the shoes are just a hair thicker on the left than the right, and they engage just a bit faster?

If it worked for you then, cool but just because you got away with it doesn't mean you can keep it up. Dont mean to pick on you but it seems weird to buy a toyota known for reliability then use methods for maintenance that are not from a reliable source, nor to OE spec.

 

@Jimmyh from my dealings with designers, engineers, architects is that a lot of them do not take serviceability into account. The star wheel itself is a pita... Backing it off X number of clicks doubly so.
If this were the knock sensor, would you pull the heads, as the designers and engineers deemed correct, or try to get it out first without pulling the heads?
In a nutshell, i read about it, tried it, and it seems to work well. And done in less time than it would take by book. If it didn't work as expected, I could still do it as the designers and imagineers deemed, "correct."

 

I think you misinterpreted my meaning.... If it works for you that is great.