Anybody else's rear brakes make popping noises?

[sickfleming]

Whenever I apply Trixie's brakes, sometimes it is accompanied with a popping sound coming from the rear of the car. I just recently upgraded the rear with Aspire suspension,new Aspire struts, new bearings, new brakes, etc. It's like I can hear my brake shoes engaging against the drums when I push the brake pedal. It doesn't happen always but it's fairly often.

Also, we had a pretty bad flood down here in Houston and there were a couple times where I underestimated a puddle :shock:.
Unfortunately, I work as a driver, and work has been pretty dominating lately, so I'm given very little time to repack my bearings, but I should do that pretty soon.

Also, I'm temporarily using the stock Festiva springs (might be a suspect). So overall, the suspension's on the creaky side like an old rocking chair. Have you guys had some similar problems?

[Movin]

No...but you might do a quick visual, look for rust or shiny where a bolt or nut is supposed to be tight, but is not.

Next put your ebrake on tight and get back down there. Rock the car back and forth against the brake while listening and watching for the problem.

It could just be badly worn backing plates where the shoes rub against them.

[sickfleming]

Well, that's the odd part: All of the Aspire parts are practically new, as in original black paint, including the backing plates. My stock setup did the same thing toward the end, but MUCH louder. I had to engage the e-brake a few clicks to stop the noise.

I'll give it a shot

[Movin]

There is backing plate lube that should be applied to all contact points between the shoe and mounts,and backing plate especially. All other moving contact points such as the adjuster should also be lubed. Be careful to not finger print up the machined part of the drum and the friction material of the shoe. Don't use so much that you have drips but use enough to seal water out of the cylinders. Use a new grease seal if you have any doubts about the wheel bearing grease seal. Wheel bearing grease is the wrong kind and you do not want to risk any getting into your brakes.

[sickfleming]

There is backing plate lube that should be applied to all contact points between the shoe and mounts,and backing plate especially. All other moving contact points such as the adjuster should also be lubed. Be careful to not finger print up the machined part of the drum and the friction material of the shoe. Don't use so much that you have drips but use enough to seal water out of the cylinders. Use a new grease seal if you have any doubts about the wheel bearing grease seal. Wheel bearing grease is the wrong kind and you do not want to risk any getting into your brakes.

Well I'm pretty certain that it's a lube issue. I've been told lithium grease is good for it. I'll try tomorrow when I repack my rear bearings. In the meantime, my front right bearing started to seize, thanks to the floods lately . Sucks too since I still have the stock front suspension parts that I was planning to replace with aspire parts. If any of you guys happen to know anyone who has a left front aspire knuckle/hub lying around, point me to 'em.
Also, while I'm off topic, does anyone know where I can get aspire brake pad retaining clips. One of the front calipers didn't come with one and the junk yards are picked clean of aspires. Do you think an escort clip would fit?

[Movin]

Use brake backing plate lube, it is not water soluble, it stays put under high heat and does not spread to friction surfaces. Most are synthetic and come in a little toothpaste tube looking thing.