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Brake Drums Replacement
Typical Cost: Low
Mobile Repair? Yes
Typical Lead Time: 24 - 48 hours depending on part availability
What are brake drums?
Brake drums are often used on the rear of smaller and lower specification vehicles instead of brake discs. The drums rotate with the wheels and provide the surface for the brake shoes to act against when the brake pedal is pressed.
How do brake drums work and what are the components?
When the foot brakes are applied, the hydraulic fluid forces the wheel cylinder pistons out, which in turn forces the brake shoes to come into contact with the inside of the brake drum. This friction then slows the rotational speed of the drum and therefore slows the wheels.
Brake drums are supplied and fitted in axle pairs (i.e. rear). It is equally important to have new brake shoes fitted at the same time otherwise any wear pattern on the shoes from the previous drums could severely reduce the contact area between the two. This is so important that no mechanic would consider doing otherwise.
Typical symptoms that require brake drums to be replaced.
Due to the wear areas being inside the drum and therefore invisible, it is difficult to ascertain whether there is an issue or not. Therefore we recommend having an inspection carried out by a mechanic if you have any concerns.
What happens during a brake drums and shoes replacement?
Changing brake drums 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;
- Raise the vehicle and remove the rear wheels
- Remove the brake drum and inspect the brake shoes, wheel cylinder and actuating mechanism.
- Establish if the brake drum's thickness is within the required tolerances.
- Replace the brake drums along with a new set of brake shoes.
- Advise if other parts of the braking system need replacing too.
- Test drive the car and inspect the brake system again.
- Make adjustments if necessary (i.e. handbrake free travel).
What does this repair cover?
Unless otherwise stated, the quote for your brake drums and shoes to be replaced will cover;
- The cost of the brake drums and 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?
Brake drums & shoes replacement - rear (both)
Associated repairs
Brakes shoes replacement - rear (all)
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 brake drums and shoes replaced?
The cost of replacing the car's brake drums and 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 drums and 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.