How can we help?
Brake Shoes Replacement
Typical Cost: Low
Mobile Repair? Yes
Typical Lead Time: 24 - 48 hours depending on part availability
What do the brake shoes do?
If your car has brake drums, it will have brake shoes which are mounted inside it. Brake shoes are similar to brake pads as when the brake pedal is applied they will come into contact with the surface of the drum to slow a vehicle
How do brake shoes work and what are the components?
The compound of brake friction material varies between manufacturers to produce different results in terms of durability and resistance. The friction material is cast to a specific shape for the application area of the brake drums and that is then mounted onto a steel backing plate, which again is cast to precisely fit the brake drum that it is going to be used in.
The friction material is typically a mixture of chalk, bronze powder, graphite, vermiculite, resin, steel and rubber. There are other materials too, but they vary widely.
Without being too technical, the brake shoe when pushed against the drum creates kinetic and thermal energy through friction. When the pads heat up, they coat the drum in a micro film of the friction material, when this occurs the shoes and the drum now have the same friction material. This then literally binds together and slows the rotation of the drum.
The previous paragraph also explains why you get brake dust, which is the discarded coating and also, obviously, explains why brake shoes wear out!
There are obviously many different combinations of material, sizes and even the number of brake pads on vehicles, to go into all the details of each would be a document of some length, but the basics are pretty similar.
Typical symptoms that require the brake shoes to be replaced.
- When the hand brake does not work properly.
- If you hear a squealing or scraping from a rear wheel during braking.
- When the car pulls to the right or left under braking.
- When the car becomes unstable under braking.
What happens during a brake shoe replacement?
Changing brake shoes is a routine repair for all mechanics and can be done both kerbside as well as in the workshop, providing it is safe to do so.
Whilst there are variations between manufacturers, the basics are pretty similar.
The mechanic will;
- Inspect the brakes and establish if there is an issues with one or several of the brake shoes.
- Establish if the brake shoe's thickness is within the required tolerances.
- Replace the brake shoes if required.
- Advise if other parts of the brake system need replacing too.
- Test drive the car and inspect the brake system to ensure it is in perfect working order.
- Make adjustments if necessary (i.e. handbrake freeplay).
What does this repair cover?
Unless otherwise stated, the quote for your brake shoes to be replaced will cover;
- The cost of the brake shoes
- Coming to you
- Fitting of the parts
- Disposal of the old parts (unless you request to keep them)
- VAT (if applicable)
- 12 months parts and labour warranty
What to search for on the ClickMechanic site?
Brakes shoes replacement - rear (all)
Associated repairs
Brake drums & shoes replacement - rear (both)
Brake shoe wheel cylinder - rear (passenger side)
Brake shoe wheel cylinder - rear (driver side)
Parking brake pads/shoes replacement (all)
How much does it cost to have the brake shoes replaced?
The cost of replacing the brake shoes depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends.
Find out what you could save by visiting ClickMechanic
https://www.clickmechanic.com/bookings/car
FAQ’s
Can I supply my own parts?
No, we will not fit customer supplied parts unless they are a brand new item, purchased from a dealership with the receipt as proof of purchase. There is no flexibility over this due to insurance and warranty issues.
What happens if the mechanic finds that the brake shoes do not require changing and the problem is due to another issue?
In this scenario, the mechanic will provide a no obligation quote for the correct repair. Should you accept this, the mechanic can alter the booking accordingly. If you decide not to go ahead with the alternative repair, the mechanic can change the booking to a call out and diagnostic booking and charge according to the time spent with the vehicle and call out.