R50 drum brake questions

[donald]

So here's the quick breakdown
1. my vehicle/vehicle in question: 2001 QX4, 4wd (though 4wd doesn't really matter I think)
2. no, I'm not sure I actually need brake shoes - just pricing things out
3. when pricing from a dealership, shoes are $68/set ( - separate question on this later) - and they recommended to also change the brake shoe cylinders at $62 each.


so my concerns
1. is dealership recommendation valid? Do i really need to consider changing the shoe cylinders as well?! Just trying to avoid a brake bleed where possible (that is, if I change the rear shoes.
2. so, the reason I say BS on $68/shoe-set is because I called Nissan dealership posing with a 2001 Pathfinder, and the shoe set was $52 . Supposedly, the NIssan and Infiniti dealership (which are next to each other) are owned by the same person/group. Wouldn't the 01 Pathfinder shoes fit the 01 QX4? (just FYI - the Pathfinder shoe cylinder is $59)

Thanks in advance !


oh yeah - yes, I do recognize that Nissan and Infiniti are formally 2 separate entities/dealerships. I just figure that the general shared parts between Nissan and the counterpart Infiniti vehicle should generally be priced the same - especially when the owner(s) own the pair.

[Towncivilian]

The drum brakes on our vehicles seem to last forever. Mine are only about half worn at 146k miles. I have them cleaned, lubed, and adjusted at my local dealer for $30 once a year to keep them in top order. The wheel cylinders like fresh fluid, so bleed every 2 years at a minimum.

[donald]

$30 you say... hmm, maybe I'll start doing that.
I've had the brakes bled (by mechanic) about 2years ago when I had my front rotor and pads replaced.
I guess I'll take a stab at it and drop the rig off to the dealership. Hopefully it's also about $30 here. But before I do that, i'll do an inspection myself of the drum assembly to see if there's anything grossly in need of maintenance.

[cr4west]

At 190k I still have lots of original rear brake shoe lining left. I keep checking them and occasionally lube so they do not make that squeak noise on the return movement. Bleeding is easy using a mighty vac tool with the collection bottle. A couple of pumps to remove the rusty fluid then top off the main fluid reservoir. I can not imagine how the rear brakes would need to be redone unless you drive around leaving the emergency brake on?

[donald]

Thanks for the feedback.
The main reason I am researching prices and such is because I frequently hear squeaking from the rear at the first drive (suspectedly after the brakes have cooled), but only until things warn up it seems; plus it's colder out so they cool faster.

Anyway, I'll try lubing the assembly soon and see how that helps.

I'm at about 200k (just mentioning it)