121000 miles, 2010 Yaris.
I just realized when I'm braking, there's a knocking sound. It sounds like it's coming from the rear (drum brakes). Could it be just it's dirty?
Could it be just it's dirty?
Not likely. You need to remove the drums to see what's going on in there.
I only realized this after going 40 mi one way 😅 Will I be ok on a 40 mi trip back home?
No way to tell without physical examination.
I drove it home slowly and it was ok. Had a mechanic check it out today and they said it was ok and that sometimes drum brakes will make noises occasionally?
They should not make noise if everything is in good shape. Might be some worn parts there that are not bad enough yet to jump out at you when the drum is pulled off. Or the knocking sound could be coming from something else loose back there.
Glad I got a second opinion from another mechanic! My drums and drum shoes were so worn, it was between 0mm and 1mm. So, no metal to metal contact.
I only realized this after going 40 mi one way
Will I be ok on a 40 mi trip back home?
Impossible to know without on-the-ground inspection. Get someone to take a look at it.
Hmm, so should I pop it up with my jack and start exploring then?
Up to you. Braking and steering are not areas to be taken lightly tho.
Only problem is many shops are closed right now on a Sunday 😅 just my luck.
Just pull each drum off, visually inspect, clean everything and apply some lubricant on parts that can be lubricated (google which parts).
