GeoBrakes stocks OEM-grade brake drums confirmed to fit the Gmc K3500, the cast-iron components that form the friction surface for the K3500 drum brake shoes. Available in standard and corrosion-coated configurations for your K3500, every drum is manufactured to the correct inner diameter, wall thickness, and surface finish for the Gmc K3500
The brake drum on the Gmc K3500 is the rotating cast-iron bowl that the K3500 drum brake shoes press against to slow your vehicle. Mounted to the rear axle hub of your Gmc K3500, it spins with the wheel and provides the friction surface that the shoes contact under braking. Unlike brake rotors, which can be visually inspected from outside the wheel on many K3500 vehicles, Gmc K3500 brake drums fully enclose the shoe assembly, which means wear and damage often goes unnoticed until braking performance on the Gmc K3500 is noticeably affected.
Standard OEM-Grade Drums for the Gmc K3500
Standard OEM-grade cast-iron drums for the Gmc K3500 are manufactured to the original equipment diameter, wall thickness, and surface finish specification for your K3500. They are the direct replacement for the factory K3500 drum with no modification required.
Coated Brake Drums for the Gmc K3500
Coated Gmc K3500 brake drums feature a corrosion-resistant coating applied to the external drum surfaces of your K3500, the hat section, outer wall, and wheel mounting face. Surface rust is a common issue on Gmc K3500 drum brake vehicles in US, particularly during periods of non-use in winter when moisture and salt collect inside the K3500 wheel well. A coated drum on your Gmc K3500 resists surface rust that can transfer to the wheel mounting face, making future drum removal significantly easier at the next K3500 brake service.
Gmc K3500 brake drum replacement requires matching the correct inner diameter, wall thickness, bolt circle, hub bore, and drum offset for your K3500. Errors in any of these dimensions produce incorrect shoe-to-drum clearance, uneven wear, and braking problems on the Gmc K3500. Our vehicle selector eliminates those risks by confirming the correct drum for the Gmc K3500 exact year, make, model, and axle. Coated K3500 drum options are available for vehicles with heavy salt exposure.
How long do brake drums last on a Gmc K3500?
Gmc K3500 brake drums typically last 150,000 to 200,000 kilometres with periodic resurfacing, significantly longer than disc brake rotors on the K3500. Each resurfacing removes material from the K3500 drum and reduces wall thickness. Once the Gmc K3500 drum reaches its maximum allowable inner diameter, it must be replaced rather than turned again.
Should I replace brake drums on my Gmc K3500 in pairs?
Yes. Replace both Gmc K3500 drums on the same axle to maintain balanced braking. Drums of different inner diameters on the K3500 create uneven friction forces, causing the Gmc K3500 to pull to the fresher-drum side during braking.
Should I replace drums and shoes at the same time on my Gmc K3500?
Yes, it is strongly recommended for the Gmc K3500. New shoes on a scored or out-of-round K3500 drum wear unevenly from day one. New Gmc K3500 drums with old shoes that have worn to match the old drum surface will contact the new bore incorrectly. Replacing both together on the K3500 ensures proper break-in and maximum service life from both components.