Drum System Backing Plate
The backing plate used in automotive drum braking systems is basically a steel plate with several parts including the wheel cylinder, brake shoes, and hardware fastened to it's surface. They are also vital in keeping the environment such as water and debris away from the system components.
The shoe pads were the shoes ride will often become scuffed and grooved as the shoes move back and forth on it's surface. These pads can be sanded or filed smooth to restore the pads surface. Apply a specially formulated grease on these pads to protect and reduce brake squeak.
Brake shoes are held in position by springs and clips. These springs create pressure resulting in these grooves and scratches. Use a high temperature brake lubricant that can withstand the heat generated by today's braking systems. Petroleum based greased can swell rubber parts and the chassis greases can't stand the temperatures and will burn off and evaporate.
There are really two types of lubricants used in automotive braking systems. There are the silicon based lubricants that work well on the rubber and plastic parts and there are lubricants used for hardware components like the shoe to backing plate area. These hardware lubes can be synthetic, graphite, or silicon dry film lubricants formulated for high pressures and temperatures. It's important to use the right lubricant for the each specific application.
