When to replace automotive brake shoes and drums?
When replacing your brake shoes and drums cost is always at the back of our minds, but this is really not the place to skimp on quality. New OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) shoes are made of better material and will outperform cheaper brakes over the long run.
What’s the best way to remove a brake drum?
The first way to remove the brake drum is too insert two bolts which are usually 8mm x1.25 and then tighten them equally which will push the drum outward for removal. The second way is to be used if no bolt holes are available, or if you don’t have the bolts. Use a hammer and strike the drum between the lug studs.
Why are my drum brakes not working properly?
Drum brakes incorporate an automatic adjusting mechanism but sometimes it may not work as intended and become frozen do to the extreme heat or water they car endure from normal usage. Some vehicles have a window or slot in the backing plate where you can access the adjuster to manually adjust the brakes.
How much does it cost to replace a car drum?
Drums will typically cost between $16.00 and $35.00 (US). If you are having the job done at a local garage or dealership it can run between $220.00 and $360.00 (US). You can see the price difference between having it done and doing it yourself is quite substantial.
How are rear disc brakes and drum brakes different?
On drum brakes the emergency brake job is done by the rear brake shoes. A mechanical activation system of the emergency brake uses the same principle of forcing the shoes outward against the drum helping to hold the car in place. Vehicles with rear disc brakes will use a smaller drum brake in the center of the rotor for the emergency brake.
How long do front brake pads and shoes last?
Brake shoes tend to last about twice as long as the front pads due to the car’s brake bias (front to rear ratio). You can expect the shoes and drum to last between 30,000 and 40,000 miles depending on driving habits and the design of the brake system. Should I Adjust My Brake Shoes?