Driving around the boonies of upstate NY, I noticed the car took a while to stop.

Like, a long while. As in, I was only using 50% of my braking power with the pedal to the floor.

Turns out I was right:

Is this just my drum brakes shoes being worn? Or does the puddle of slick fluid under the wheel mean something?

 

i would be concerned about the fluid under the wheel if it is brake fluid. it is probably leaking and letting air in. thus not allowing your brakes to work. the e-brake is mechanical linkage so it doesnt need the fluid. i would find the leak, fix it, then bleed all the brakes really good, then see if it works.

 

Well the puddle appeared long after I noticed the brakes not working correctly.

But you're correct, that should be the first course of action.

 

yeah just look around real good for any leaks. even if you cant find any i would still bleed them