Brake Shoes Replacement
What is a brake shoe?
Many older vehicles use drum brakes on all four wheels, or just the rear wheels. The drum brake uses brake shoes instead of brake pads to slow or stop the vehicle, and have been replaced on most modern passenger vehicles by the disc brake system.
How does the brake shoe work?
A brake drum is shaped like a bowl, and brake shoes are installed inside the drum. When the brake pedal is pressed, the wheel cylinder presses the brake shoes outward, against the sides of the drum to create braking force. The brake drum is indirectly attached to the wheel, so when the brake shoes are forced against it, the wheel must stop as well.
Brake shoes can be damaged by defective brake drums and/or leaking wheel cylinders.
What are the symptoms related to a bad brake shoe?
Customers with drum brake systems often specify they have lost braking power, or that the vehicle's brakes are making noise. This is because brake drums do not dissipate heat very well, so the heat from hard braking will cause stress fractures. These fractures make can make noise on the brake shoes as the drum revolves around the shoes. Lastly, the brake shoes may not be problematic, but may cause a grinding noise while stopping. This would indicate the shoes have no braking material left, and the brake shoes must be changed before the vehicle can be safely driven.
Learn more about brake shoe symptoms
Can I drive with a brake shoe problem?
It is not safe to operate any vehicle with any braking problem. If there is any sign that the brakes are not performing as originally intended, the vehicle should immediately be placed out of service, and repaired. If the brakes are being replaced as part of routine maintenance, with no symptoms noticed, the vehicle can be safely driven to a repair shop.
How often do brake shoes need to be replaced?
Brake shoes are typically replaced as part of a standard brake service, so the average serviceable lifespan depends on driving style, and operating conditions. The manufacturer recommended maintenance schedule for each vehicle may be different, and the owner's manual will contain this information. The brake shoes are considered “normal wear and tear” items, and are understood to require replacement multiple times within the useful life of a vehicle.
How are brake shoe issues diagnosed?
Diagnosis for brake shoe replacement requires removal of the wheel and brake drum, and physically inspecting the brakes. If the brake shoes have passed their wear limit, or show signs of uneven wear, replacement will be recommended.
How is a brake shoe replaced?
The brake shoes must be unadjusted to be released from the brake drum. Then, the wheel must be removed, and then the drum can slide off the wheel lug studs and brake shoes. Once the drum is removed, several retaining springs and clips must be removed to free the brake shoes from the backing plate. All springs and clips must be replaced with new hardware, and the replacement drum is installed by sliding onto the wheel studs and brake shoes. The brake shoes can be readjusted before the vehicle is placed on the ground.
Other considerations
Brake repairs are commonly offered at promotional prices that may be lower than the RepairPal price estimate. Make sure you understand exactly which services are included in the advertised price.
RepairPal Recommendations for brake shoe issues
When replacing brakes of any kind, it is important to replace the corresponding brakes on the other side of the vehicle. This will ensure braking power is even and predictable.