There are two types of braking systems, one of them being drum brakes. This system has four major components that all work together to stop your vehicle. One of the most crucial parts of the system is the brake shoes. If damaged, it could result in brake failure.
Brake shoes are crescent-shaped components located inside the brake drum. They have a rough friction material on one side, so when you press the brake pedal, the shoes are forced outward and against the brake drum to slow the wheel down.
Drum brakes are a type of braking system with a brake lining that generates a stopping force once pressed against the drum. It has a counterpart called the disc brake system. Drum brakes have brake shoes, while disc brake systems have brake pads.
While brake shoes and brake pads are both braking system components, they’re typically used in different types of brakes.
Brake pads are used in disc brakes, commonly found on the front wheels of modern cars.
Stepping on the brake pedal causes hydraulic pressure to force the brake caliper to squeeze the brake pads against the rotor, creating the friction needed to slow and stop the vehicle.
Brake shoes are used in drum brakes, which are less common on modern vehicles.
Compared to disc brakes, drum brakes use hydraulic pressure to push outward against the brake shoes, which press against the inner surface of the brake drum to create stopping friction.
Getting the brake shoes’ measurement is crucial because once they wear, metal-to-metal contact occurs and can damage the drum. Measuring the shoe lets you check if it’s running thin and prevents damage to the drum.
To measure the brake shoes, you’ll need the following tools and equipment:
Once you have these tools, follow the steps below:
Remove the brake shoes (see steps below) and check for damage or wear. Use a brake cleaner or compressed air to remove any debris or contaminants.
Place the brake shoe gauge against the lining material, ensuring it’s perpendicular to the surface. Read the measurement from the scale on the gauge. Repeat these steps for each shoe.
Use the vernier caliper to measure the width by placing it against the shoe’s outer edges until it fits. Read the measurement from the scale and repeat for each shoe.
Follow the same steps above, but this time, measure the length of each shoe.
Use the depth gauge to measure the depth of any grooves or indentations on the brake shoe lining by placing the gauge inside the groove. Read the measurement from the gauge and record it.
Look at the condition of the brake shoes again to see if there are issues you need to address.
Some symptoms of a bad brake shoe include squealing noises, difficulty braking, vibrations when braking, a loose brake pedal, and an illuminated brake light warning sign.
When you start braking and hear a squealing noise, it might be due to a worn brake shoe scraping against the inside part of the drum brake. To prevent this, you can use brake cleaners to avoid dust buildup.
The brake shoes are responsible for stopping the vehicle, so once they are worn, it’ll get more difficult to brake. You might also notice a significant reduction in stopping power.
Vibrations when using the brake pedal could indicate the brake shoes are starting to wear. Once this happens, the entire drum brake will shake, and the vibrations will travel to the pedal.
Another indication of a worn brake is a spongy or soft brake pedal. This occurs because drum brakes have a self-adjuster to maintain the appropriate distance between them and the brake shoes. Once the shoes are worn, the distance increases, resulting in a spongy feeling.
An illuminated brake light warning indicates an issue with the braking system, meaning there are different possible reasons why it’s lit. One of them is a worn brake shoe because it affects performance.
Once you notice the warning light is on, it’s best to have a mechanic look at the braking system to diagnose the reason instead of trying to replace the shoe immediately. Doing so ensures you don’t waste time and money fixing a component that might have been working properly.
Changing the brake shoes can be broken down into three steps: removing the brake drums, removing the brake shoes, and changing them. To do all three, you’ll need the following tools and equipment:
You’ll first have to remove the brake drums to access and remove the brake shoes. To do so, follow the steps below:
To remove the brake shoes, follow the steps below:
Lastly, changing the brake shoe requires you to do the following steps:
The lifespan of brake shoes depends on where and how you drive the vehicle. Generally, they can last up to 80,000 miles or more, but that could be cut down to 30,000 to 35,000 if you’re driving somewhere urban.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.