How do you know when drum brakes need replacing?
Technical Bulletins
- Inconsistent brake pedal feel. If the rear brakes are drum brakes, the driver may feel vibrations under braking.
- Hand brake feels loose. If the hand brake requires a hard yank to keep the car from rolling off, chances are the brake shoes need replacing.
- Scraping noise while braking.
How long do rear drum brakes last?
around 150,000 to 200,000 miles
The housing of drum brakes is designed to be operable typically for around 150,000 to 200,000 miles, while the shoes are meant to last for 40,000 miles.
Do rear drum brakes do anything?
A: Disc brakes stop the car better than drum brakes. However, for standard daily driving, having rear disc brakes does not give any significant advantage. Most of the stopping work is done by the front brakes anyway.
How much does it cost to replace rear drum brakes?
The average brake drum replacement cost averages between $275 and $399 depending on the type of the vehicle you have the type of repair shop you’re taking your vehicle to.
Do drum brakes make noise?
Glazed rotors or drums: Brake rotors and drums wear over time, resulting in a glazed or rough finish. As a result, the brakes may make a squealing or screeching noise.
Should I replace brake drums?
Replacing drums is always a better option, since machining makes the drums thinner and more susceptible to overheating. Drum brakes have many more parts than disc brakes and, as a result, take more time to replace. After the replacement, drum brakes need to be re-adjusted.
Is it hard to change drum brakes?
While drum brakes do have a completely different layout and mode of operation than disc brakes do, they are usually no more difficult to service, and often require only a basic set of hand tools and a drum brake adjustment tool to get the job done.
What are the symptoms of a bad or failing brake drum?
A loose parking brake is another symptom that is commonly associated with bad or failing drum brakes. As the drum brakes wear, the shoes may not be able to squeeze against the inside of the drum as easily, and as a result, the parking brake may not work as efficiently.
What’s the best way to check a drum brake?
Follow these steps to check drum brakes: Arrange to do this work in a well-ventilated area, wear an inexpensive but protective paper mask, and be very careful not to inhale the dust from the brake drum. Jack up your vehicle and remove a wheel.
Why does my rear drum brake keep grinding?
Grinding could also be an indicator of lack of lubrication in vehicles with rear drum brakes. The brake shoe (the component that presses on the rotor to slow the vehicle) could be scraping on metal contact points like the backing plate, due to rust.
What are the symptoms of bad brake shoes?
Reduced brake response. Another symptom of bad or failing brake shoes is reduced brake response. If the brake shoes become excessively worn or overheated, their capacity to slow the vehicle may be reduced. This may result in a vehicle that takes longer to stop when the brakes are applied, especially during high speed or heavy braking situations.