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How They Work
Brake shoes are a key component of drum brakes, which are commonly used on the rear wheels of many vehicles. When you press the brake pedal, the brake shoes press against the inner surface of the brake drum, creating friction and slowing down the rotation of the wheel.
Brake shoes are typically made up of a curved metal shoe with friction material on the outer surface. This friction material is known as the brake lining. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is applied to a piston in the brake system, which in turn pushes the brake shoes outwards and into contact with the brake drum. This creates the friction necessary to slow down or stop the vehicle.
As the brake shoes are pressed against the brake drum, the friction material on their outer surface generates heat, which can cause them to wear out over time. Worn brake shoes can reduce the effectiveness of the braking system, so it's important to have them checked and replaced periodically to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.
Signs That Brake Shoes Need Replacing
There are several signs that brake shoes may need replacing, including:
Squeaking or grinding noise when braking: If you hear a high-pitched squeaking or grinding noise when you apply the brakes, it could be a sign that the brake shoes have worn down and need replacing.
Reduced braking performance: If you notice that your car takes longer to come to a stop or the brake pedal feels softer than usual, it could be due to worn brake shoes.
Vibration or pulsation when braking: If you feel a pulsation or vibration in the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking, it could be a sign of unevenly worn brake shoes.
Uneven wear on the brake shoes: If you inspect the brake shoes and notice that they are wearing unevenly or are worn down to the metal, it's time to replace them.
Warning light: Many modern cars have a brake wear warning light that will illuminate on the dashboard when the brake shoes are due for replacement.
To Replace, Reline or Skim
When your brake shoes are worn and need new life, there are three options available – to replace, reline or skim
Replacing, relining, and skimming are all methods for maintaining or repairing brake shoes in a braking system. Here are the differences and the pros and cons of each method:
Replacing brake shoes:
When brake shoes are replaced, the old, worn-out brake shoes are removed, and new ones are installed. This is usually done when the brake shoes are worn beyond their minimum thickness, or if there is significant damage to the brake shoes.
Pros:
- New brake shoes ensure the best possible braking performance and safety.
- Replacing brake shoes is a straightforward process that can be done quickly and easily.
Cons:
- Replacing brake shoes can be more expensive than other methods, particularly if you have to replace the brake drums or other parts of the braking system as well.
Relining brake shoes:
Relining brake shoes is the process of removing the old lining material from the brake shoes and replacing it with new lining material. This is usually done when the brake shoes are still in good condition, but the lining material has worn down or become damaged.
Pros:
- Relining brake shoes can be a cost-effective way to extend the life of your brake shoes.
- It can be a good option if you want to keep your classic or vintage car as original as possible.
Cons:
- Relining brake shoes can be a time-consuming process, particularly if the brake shoes need to be removed and reinstalled.
- The performance of relined brake shoes may not be as good as that of new brake shoes.
Skimming brake shoes:
Skimming is the process of resurfacing the brake shoes by removing a thin layer of material from the surface. This is usually done to correct any warping or damage to the brake shoes.
Pros:
- Skimming brake shoes can be a cost-effective way to restore the performance of your brakes.
- It can be a good option if you want to keep your original brake shoes instead of buying new ones.
Cons:
- Skimming brake shoes may not be possible if the brake shoes are severely worn or damaged.
- Skimming brake shoes may reduce the thickness of the brake shoes, which may decrease their lifespan.
Make Your Brake Shoes Last Longer
The typical lifespan of brake shoes varies depending on several factors, such as the type of vehicle, the driving style, the terrain, and the quality of the brake shoes. Generally, brake shoes can last anywhere from 40,000 to 100,000 kilometres. However, it's important to note that there is no set mileage or time frame for brake shoes replacement, and it's best to have them inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic.
To make your brake shoes last longer, you can take the following steps:
Avoid aggressive driving: Abrupt stops, hard braking, and driving at high speeds can wear out the brake shoes faster.
Keep a safe following distance: Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you can help you avoid sudden and harsh braking, which can reduce the wear on your brake shoes.
Avoid overloading your vehicle: Carrying heavy loads can put extra strain on your brakes, causing them to wear out faster.
By following these tips, you can help extend the lifespan of your brake shoes and ensure that your vehicle's braking system remains in good condition.
Some Tips For Replacing Your Brake Shoes
Here are some tips for replacing brake shoes:
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions.
- Visit startmycar.co.za to purchase the correct replacement brake shoes for your vehicle. Simply input your make, model and year and the correct brake shoes will be shown.
- Before starting the replacement process, make sure the brake system is cool.
- If you are working on the rear brakes, release the parking brake to avoid damage to the brake system.
- Use a brake cleaner to remove any oil or dust from the brake system.
- Remove the wheel, brake drum, and retaining clips.
- Inspect the brake drum for wear and damage. If the drum is worn, it may need to be machined or replaced.
- Inspect the brake shoes for wear, cracking, or other damage. If the shoes are worn beyond the recommended thickness or have any damage, they should be replaced.
- Replace the hardware, springs, and clips with new ones. These parts are critical for proper brake function. Brake shoe spring kits are available on Start My Car.
- Clean and lubricate the brake system components before reassembling.
- Adjust the brake shoes to the manufacturer's recommended specifications.
- After installation, test the brakes before driving the vehicle.
- It's always best to replace the brake shoes on both sides of the axle at the same time.
Following these tips will help ensure a successful brake shoe replacement and maintain the safety of your vehicle's braking system.
Yaacov Steinhauer
