What holds the brake shoes in place?
Springs hold the brake shoes in place so they don’t contact the drum when the brakes aren’t active. When the driver pushes down on the brake pedal, this places pressure on the hydraulic fluid in the brake lines. At the top of the backing plate is a wheel cylinder containing two pistons, one at either end.
Should you replace drum brake hardware?
If any of the drum brake hardware components fail inspection, they must be replaced. As an example, there is a chance the wheel cylinder will not work as it should or leak, prompting replacement. As a precaution, all hardware should be replaced with the brake shoes and drums.
What tools are needed to change brake shoes?
Tools Required
- Disposable mechanic’s gloves to protect your hands and keep them clean.
- Jack and jack stands.
- Lug wrench.
- C-clamp or length of wood to retract the piston.
- Wrench (choose a socket, open end or adjustable wrench)
- Turkey baster for drawing out brake fluid.
- Plastic tie, bungee cord or piece of string.
Which brake shoe is longer?
Which side does the thicker brake shoe go on? The ones toward the front are called the primary and have less lining. The one toward the rear are called the secondary and have more (longer and thicker lining).
Do you need to replace drum brake springs?
As long as you ordered the right kit, the springs will fit fine. These return springs wear out and lose their tension over time. If you don’t replace the return springs during a brake job, the springs are at high risk of failure. Failed return springs will push the shoes up against the drum.
When should drum brake shoes be replaced?
Brake shoes and linings: check the brake shoes. The shoe thickness should be 1/16 of an inch and evenly worn, with no bald spots or thin places. Some last even longer, the brake shoes last up to 20,000 to 40,000 miles. If you are close to that number, you should consider replacing them since the drums are open.
Are brake shoes hard to change?
Drum brake shoes are slightly more difficult than rotor pads as there are more pieces and those pieces don’t necessarily go back together in an intuitive way. It’s a good idea to take a picture of the springs and retainers for reference before taking them apart.
How much does it cost to replace brake shoes?
The average cost to replace brake shoes is between $199 – $275. Price generally varies based on the type of car you have the type of auto-shop you go to.
Do you have to replace wheel cylinder when replacing brake shoes?
Replace the Wheel Cylinder: Like we motioned before the wheel cylinder must be a good condition or it will leak and ruin the new brake shoes. If the car is fairly new you can let it go until the next brake job, but if the wheel cylinder is old or leaking it must be replaced.
Why do I need a drum brake hardware kit?
A drum brake hardware kit includes all of the springs and clips that should be replaced when servicing drum brakes. Each time a vehicle brakes, these springs are stretched slightly. Over time, they may be extended too far and unable to properly retract the brake shoes from the brake drums.
How do you know if you need to replace a brake drum?
Brake drums – Inspect the drum for scoring, cracking, or grooving. Brake fluid leaks – While you’re inspecting the shoes and drums, you’ll also want to check the wheel cylinders. If they are leaking brake fluid then they should be replaced. Step 5: Disassemble the brake drum assembly.
How are brake shoes and drums used in a car?
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.