How does a brake shoe work?
Brake shoes are a key part of your car’s braking system, usually found on the rear wheels of smaller cars and pickups. They’re curved metal components with a layer of friction material on the outside.
When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure pushes the brake shoes outward so they press against the brake drum. This creates friction, which slows the car down.
Like all brake parts, brake shoes wear out over time. If they get too thin, they won’t work properly — and your ability to stop safely will be affected. That’s why it’s important to replace them once they show signs of wear.
What does a brake shoe replacement job involve?
Here’s what’s involved in a typical brake shoe replacement:
The mechanic will start by inspecting the entire brake system to check for any issues with the brake shoes or other components.
The mechanic will measure the thickness of the brake shoes to ensure they meet safety standards and are not excessively worn.
If the brake shoes are worn beyond the recommended thickness, the mechanic will replace them with new ones designed for your vehicle.
The mechanic will check the condition of related components like the brake drums. If any other parts need replacing, they will advise you accordingly.
After the new brake shoes are installed, the mechanic will take the car for a test drive to ensure the brakes are functioning correctly and safely.
The mechanic will make any adjustments to the braking system to ensure optimal performance and your safety on the road.
A proper brake shoe replacement will help restore your car’s stopping power and give you peace of mind while driving.
How long do brake shoes typically last?
Brake shoes typically last between 20,000 and 65,000 miles, but this can vary based on several factors. The way you drive, the conditions of the roads you travel, and how well your vehicle is maintained all influence the lifespan of your brake shoes. For instance, if you often drive in heavy traffic or on hilly roads, your brake shoes may wear out faster due to more frequent braking.
Can I drive with worn brake shoes?
Driving with worn brake shoes is risky. As the friction material wears down, your stopping distance increases — especially in emergencies. You might not notice the difference right away, but it could be critical when you need to stop suddenly.
If you think your brake shoes might be worn, get them inspected as soon as possible.
How do I know whether I need a brake shoe repair or replacement?
Here are some common signs that indicate it may be time for a brake shoe replacement:
If you hear squealing, grinding, or other strange noises when applying the brakes, it could be a sign that the brake shoes are worn and need replacing.
If your hand or parking brake isn’t holding the vehicle securely or feels unusually loose, the brake shoes could be the cause.
If your car pulls to the right or left when braking, it could indicate uneven wear on the brake shoes, which needs to be addressed.
If you feel vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal when stopping, it could be a sign that your brake shoes are worn out or need adjustment.
If the brake warning light on your dashboard illuminates, it could signal an issue with the brake shoes or another part of the braking system that requires attention.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your brake shoes checked by a professional mechanic to ensure your vehicle remains safe and roadworthy.
Can a brake shoe be repaired?
Brake shoes can sometimes be repaired through a process known as relining. This involves replacing the friction material on the brake shoes to restore their effectiveness. But it depends on the condition of the shoes and isn't the recommended by experts. If they’re damaged, rusty, or contaminated, full replacement is the safeest option.
How much does a brake shoe replacement cost?
The cost usually ranges from £90 to £200, with an average of about £130. This depends on your car’s make, model, and whether you’re replacing just the rear shoes or both sets.
It’s generally more cost-effective to replace brake pads and shoes together, especially if they’re wearing at a similar rate.
What does a ClickMechanic brake shoe replacement quote 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-month parts and labour warranty
Can the brake shoe be replaced by a mobile mechanic?
Yes! A mobile mechanic can replace brake shoes right at your home or workplace — saving you the time and hassle of a garage visit.
Top Mechanics For Brake Shoe Replacement & Repairs
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Frequently asked questions about brake shoe replacement & repairs
Read our answers to questions about brake shoe replacement costs, symptoms and more.
What are brake shoes on a car?
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
What does a brake shoe replacement involve?
- Mechanic will inspect the brakes and establish if there is any issues with one or several of the brake shoes.
- Mechanic will establish if the brake shoe's thickness is within the required tolerances.
- If necessary, the mechanic will replace the brake shoes.
- The mechanic will advise if other parts of the brake system need replacing too.
- Mechanic will test drive the car and inspect the brake system to ensure it is in perfect working order.
- Mechanic will make adjustments if necessary.
Can I replace the brake shoes myself?
Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a brake shoes replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.
What are the symptoms of worn brake shoes?
- 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.
How long will a brake shoes replacement take?
A brake shoes replacement typically takes 1 hour, but can take less or more time. Ultimately, the time that the job will take depends on a range of factors. For example, your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.
How often should I replace brake shoes?
Over time, the brake shoes can wear out due to the friction that it has to endure each time you brake. Brake shoes can wear to such an extent that the rivets holding the friction plate to the rest of the shoe can get exposed. Each time you brake in this scenario the rivets can potentially score the contact surface inside the drum. This damages the brake drum as well, which would need to be replaced too to ensure effective braking.
How common is a brake shoe replacement?
Brake shoes replacement is not as common as brake pads as less braking force is applied to them in comparison to the front brakes. However, as the brake shoes are made of relatively soft material, it’s inevitable that, in time, they will wear away. Just like your tyres, the harder you drive and the more you use your brakes, the more often you will need to have the brake shoes changed.
How can I extend the lifetime of my brake shoes?
The way you drive can have a significant effect on how long you can drive between two brake shoe replacements. Using common sense, driving carefully, and anticipating the hazards on the road ahead are the best ways of doing this.
The earlier you can brake when you need to slow down or stop, the less pressure you will need to apply on your foot brake, and so the less pressure you put on your brake shoes, and the more slowly they will wear.
Frequent, hard or emergency braking will always take a greater toll on the compound of your brake pads and lead to the risk that you will need to replace the brake shoes more often.
How long do drum brake shoes last?
The way you drive can have a significant effect on how long you can drive between two brake shoe replacements. Using common sense, driving carefully, and anticipating the hazards on the road ahead are the best ways of doing this.
The earlier you can brake when you need to slow down or stop, the less pressure you will need to apply on your foot brake, and so the less pressure you put on your brake shoes, and the more slowly they will wear.
Frequent, hard or emergency braking will always take a greater toll on the compound of your brake pads and lead to the risk that you will need to replace the brake shoes more often.
Can I still drive with worn brake shoes?
If the brake shoes have worn beyond the legal limit or the manufacturer recommended limit or have otherwise worn and been compromised and no longer are able to guarantee optimal brake performance and safety then book a mechanic to check and replace the brake shoes where necessary. If you experience any untoward characteristics in your braking, book a diagnostic inspection immediately and do not drive the vehicle. Driving with bad brake shoes can impair brake performance and safety, and can be lethal.
How do I know if my rear brake shoes need replacing?
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
How do you change rear brake shoes?
There is a number of steps involved in replacing the brake shoes, there are variations between manufacturers, the basics are pretty similar. Hence, 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.
Can you replace just rear brakes?
Yes, you can just replace the rear brakes if it is just the rear brakes that have worn, this has been professionally diagnosed and is safe to do so. A professional mechanic can advise on which brake parts need replacing, they can check the brakes and advise on the next steps for your brake repair.
Are worn brake shoes an MOT failure?
Yes, worn brake shoes can cause an MOT failure. For example if they have worn below the legal limit, are contaminated (with oil or grease) or are incorrectly mounted.
How much does it cost to replace brake shoes?
Cost of a brake shoes replacement depends on your location, car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your brake shoe replaced by ClickMechanic by selecting your car at the top of this page!
Check out the ClickMechanic price for a brake shoe replacement. See the averages for different makes below. We consolidate industry standard data with millions of data points to give you the most accurate price. These estimates may include Rear brake shoes.
| Name | Average Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Audi | £124 | Get exact price |
| Citroen | £164 | Get exact price |
| Ford | £149 | Get exact price |
| Land Rover | £220 | Get exact price |
| Mercedes-Benz | £221 | Get exact price |
| Nissan | £164 | Get exact price |
| Peugeot | £191 | Get exact price |
| Renault | £175 | Get exact price |
| Toyota | £126 | Get exact price |
| Vauxhall | £126 | Get exact price |
| Volkswagen | £147 | Get exact price |
Estimates on average repair costs, such as the above results for a brake shoe replacement, are based on ClickMechanic's quote data which combines multiple third-party sources. Actual costs may vary. We provide estimates on average repair costs for information only and accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors. If you think an estimate is incorrect, please contact us to let us know.
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Mechanics that undertake brake shoe work
- A1 Autos, Gravesend
- Autodroma, Chertsey
- Cleverley Motors, London
- Darlington Motor Vehicle Services Ltd, Darlington
- Darlington Motor Vehicle Services Ltd, Darlington
- Docs Mobile Mechanic, Birmingham
- Gp Mot & Service Centre Ltd, Westbury Wiltshire
- Kh Auto Services, Swindon
- Lliden Limited T/A Leven Street Motors, West Dumbartonshire
- Northridge Cars Ltd, Hemel Hempstead
- PK AUTOS Mobile Ltd, Letchworth Garden City
- Pr Autotec Mobile Mechanic, Rotherham
- Ps Autos Ltd, Bolton
- Rd Auto Repairs, Belfast Bt127bn
- Sam Appleby, Par