Ok stupid question time...

Once rear drum brakes become soaked with gear oil they never come back. This I have proven :yes: (just considered it a kind of cheap retro-fit ABS) :D

I know for certain I need to replace the shoes, but do I also need to replace the drum? Just how far does that oil soak go?

Does this kind of brake fault cause excess braking on the opposite side? (I don't think so but maybe there is some affect there I have not figured out)

Was a real shame they got soaked too because it looked as though a PO had a recent brake overhaul too. Too bad they did a crummy job on axle bearing/seal replacement (used axle savers).

Ok stupid question time...

Once rear drum brakes become soaked with gear oil they never come back. This I have proven :yes: (just considered it a kind of cheap retro-fit ABS) :D

I know for certain I need to replace the shoes, but do I also need to replace the drum? Just how far does that oil soak go?

Does this kind of brake fault cause excess braking on the opposite side? (I don't think so but maybe there is some affect there I have not figured out)

Was a real shame they got soaked too because it looked as though a PO had a recent brake overhaul too. Too bad they did a crummy job on axle bearing/seal replacement (used axle savers).

The braking force should be the same regardless of the friction between the shoes/drum. I would probably replace the shoes, but the drums you should be able to clean and clean with brake cleaner and get it all off. It may be possible to clean the shoes even, but I am not sure about that.

All the metal parts can be cleaned up with brake cleaner. Steel isn't porous, so it won't soak up oils. The lube soaked brake shoes will usually not work again. They will just cause the wheels to lock when you apply the brakes.
A new seal, and possibly a new bearing should fix the leak in the axle.

A new seal, and possibly a new bearing should fix the leak in the axle.
Yup, been there, done that, and have the posi to show for it ;) That was many months ago in fact.
All the metal parts can be cleaned up with brake cleaner. Steel isn't porous, so it won't soak up oils. The lube soaked brake shoes will usually not work again. They will just cause the wheels to lock when you apply the brakes.
Now that is the interesting part because the oil soaked wheel never locks up. Now the wheel on the other side, that sucker locks up all the time. A PO did a front disc conversion and I suspect they never changed the distribution block. So I need to add a proportioning valve. That is part of why I have left the oil soaked side alone, it keeps things from getting even more exciting in those occaisional panic stops.

I have not looked closely, but is there a steel insert inside the cast iron drum? I know cast iron can/does? have a certain degree of porosity. Thus the question.

I would think the fluid soaked brake wouldnt lock up, which is what you are seeing. You may need an adjustable prop. valve so you can change how much fluid goes to the back verses front. Pretty common on these cars for the back to lock up before the front. Cast iron has a rough surface, but it is not porous. Should be good with a good bath of brake cleaner and a rag.

You can have my old pads if you want... hehehe