Asbestos?

[Archer36]

Hello all first post here so take it easy... Anyways I changed the drum brakes today on my 1999 Cherokee Limited /w 8.25 and I used a air compressor to hose everything down(first mistake). Now does anyone know if in 1998-1999 Chrysler used asbestos in the linings in the rear shoes? While I am not overly concered about one possible exposure some of my family members are horrified. So any links to anything would be well apprecianted.

Thanks

 

[Gerr]

probly nothing to worry about asbestos was outlawed many years ago.

 

[zachxj01]

bahahahahah horrified tell them to chill out half the tiles in my high school have asbestos and its prob in half the pipes and i feel fine

 

[5-90]

Yah - outlawed back in the late 1970's (or earlier) I think. Even the "organic" brake linings have been asbestos-free for quite a few years.

That doesn't mean you should go breathing the dust - I'd still suggest using a liquid cleaner and catching the runoff. But, I don't think you'd run into too many problems, except for some temporary irritation of your breathing.

 

[Archer36]

Well i tried brake cleaner, but the darn thing was packed with dried mud, I couldn't believe it and still have no clue how it got there. I would hit it with brake cleaner and it would just soak right up. Just noticed over the last week or so grinding when coming to a stop. The passenger side still had a good 1/8+ of material where the driver had on the primary around a sq inch of materal on the whole pad.

Thus I am still wondering if I should have the drum turned... and I was also greeted upon removing the drum with what I think is the self adjusting cable and its spring thing falling out on both sides the cable broke right at the anchor point:bawl: is this a dealership only thing or can I get it at a parts store? I do believe the PO negleted the rear brakes.

 

[5-90]

If there is any irregularity in the surface of the drum, you should have it turned. Since you're saying you had 'about a square inch' of friction on one of the shoes, you should probably have had it turned - failure to do so will probably accelerate wear of the drum, and damn sure will accelerate wear of the pads.

If the brake assembly is very dirty (like you said, muddy) then you can use water to blow the bulk of the stuff off, then use brake cleaner to get the corners and clean off the water. I've done this before with good results. Use No Soap - just plain water will do (you can use tap water for this.)

You should be able to source most brake parts at a well-stocked local - try finding one that stocks Raybestos or Bendix, since those two brands usually have more coverage for small parts.