How to Change Rear Brake Shoes

Brake shoe source PIXABAY

The ability if the car to stop or slow down depends on son its brake system. The brake should not only be there but also they should be fully functional. Most rear brakes of cars have brake shoes. Just like brake pads, brake shoes wear out with time and need to be replaced. In this article, am going to give you a step by step guide on how to change the brake shoes of your vehicle.

Introduction

The shoes get into contact with the brake drum to generate frictional force.

This force is then credited for stopping or slowing down the rotation of the wheels.

Because of this friction, the brake lining of the brake shoes wears out with time.

If it continues, it will lose its grip with the brake drum hence making the brake system inefficient.

You don’t want to imagine the perils of driving around with malfunctioning brake shoes.

Once you notice that your brake shoes are not in good condition, consider doing a complete brake shoe replacement.

Remove the current brake shoes and install the new ones.

But, how is brake shoe replacement done?

Don’t worry, am going to give you the answer to this question shortly.

Chapter 1: Difference Between Brake Pads and Brake Shoes

Image Brake pads vs brake shoe source CarTreatments

Before we go down and look at the procedure for changing brake shoes, let’s get rid of one pertinent issue.

Are brake pads and brake shoes the same thing?

The main difference is where they are used.

The brake shoes are designed to fit inside the brake drums while the brake pads are placed on top of the disc brakes.

So, between brake pads vs brake shoes, which one should I choose?

To be frank, neither the brake pad nor the brake shoe is an alternative of the other.

Either the brake pad or the brake shoe is designed to perform its specific role.

You can have both the brake pads and the brake shoes on the same vehicle.

In most cases, brake pads are used on the front wheels while the brake shoes are used on the rear wheels.

Chapter 2:  Procedure for Changing Rear Brake Shoes

Without any further ado, let’s look at the step by step procedures for changing the rear brake shoes.

Step 1: Remove the brake drums

Image source 2CarPros

Given that the brake shoes are inside the brake drums, your first step will definitely involve removing the brake drum.

Start by jacking up the vehicle so that you can easily remove the wheels.

After removing the wheels, you will have a clear view and access to the brake drum.

You can go ahead and remove the dust cap that is covering the brake drum.

Try to unscrew the axle bearing nut by turning the nut in an anticlockwise direction.

Twist and pull the drum backward in order to remove it from its current position.

Don’t use too much force on the drum as you may end up breaking it.

Step 2: Remove the brake shoes

With the brake drum removed you will be in a position to access the brake shoes and remove them.

All you have to do is remove the brake shoe springs that are attaching the brake shoes to the drum.

Ensure that you do not bend the springs as you will need them later on when reinstalling the brake shoes.

Once you have pulled the brake shoes from the backing plate, you can begin the replacement process.

Step 3: Replacing the brake shoes

Image source 2CarPros

Before you proceed with the brake shoe replacement, compare the old and the new brake shoes.

They should be identical in terms of shape and size.

Swap the rear brake components that were attached to the old brake shoes and fix them on the new brake pads.

One such component is the spring.

Place the brake shoe against the backing plate then use the clips to secure it in its position.

You can then reconnect the springs to the new brake shoes.

Step 4: Install the new brake drum

If you are also replacing the brake drum, this is the most appropriate time to install it.

The drum should provide a perfect platform where the brake shoes will settle.

Once the drum is in its perfect position, you would have finished the task of brake shoe replacement.

For the purpose of clarity, you can use this video for guidance:

Chapter 4: Drum Brake Shoe Replacement Cost

So, what is the cost of doing a brake shoe replacement?

The first cost issue is the price of brake shoes.

It ranges between $ 60 and $150 depending on the quality of brake shoes that you are buying.

The brake shoe material will determine the quality of brake shoe that you are buying.

When we factor in the cost of labor for the brake shoe replacement, the price can go up to $200.

Still, on the brake shoe replacement cost, we need to factor in the cost of the brake drum.

The cost of brake drum should not exceed $500.

How can I know the amount of money that I will spend on the brake shoe replacement?

Getting this information is quite easy.

You only need to contact a brake shoe manufacturer and you will have all the accurate pricing information.

In fact, the manufacturer will send you a brake shoe and drum pricelist.

Apart from the manufacturer, several other factors will determine the cost of brake shoe replacement.

They include the type of vehicle, your driving habit, and driving terrain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have seen that brake shoes and brake drums don’t last forever.

You need to replace them once their lifespan is over.

If you are planning to do the brake shoe replacement yourself, this guide will come in handy.

However, you should only take the DIY route if you have the right skills for the job.

Otherwise, you better take the vehicle to a professional mechanic for the best brake shoe replacement.

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