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Top Mechanics For Brake Shoe Replacement & Repairs

13 Reviews

Garage in Harpenden, 35 years of experience

At Compass-Twenty we understand that our clients expect a high level of service, quality and transparency and we set ourselves and our staff high expectations to meet each of our clients needs.

1229 Reviews

Garage in Darwen, 14 years of experience

I started my apprenticeship when I left school at the age of 15. I’ve been fully qualified for 11+ years with NVQ level 1, 2 and 3. I’ve been an MOT tester for 10 years. Here at Jamie’s mobile mechanic w...

186 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Birmingham, 12 years of experience

I began my career with my apprenticeship in Poland before coming to the UK. My first role in the UK was with 4 Cars in Yardley, Birmingham for 7 years before moving across to Whittaker Fleet Care for around ...

223 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Lowestoft , 30 years of experience

I began my career in Chadwell Heath at a garage called High road Station which is where I completed my apprenticeship. I was with the business for around 6 years, I moved to Wallinghurst Garage in Billericay...

38 Reviews

Garage in Andover, 15 years of experience

IVT car repair Ltd. is a place created out of passion for the automotive industry. We offer services at the highest level. We service cars of all brands. We do not have a paint shop yet, but replacing...

46 Reviews

Garage in Bristol , 12 years of experience

I have worked as a mechanic for twelve years started out as HGV mechanic for five years moved on to cars for the last seven years.my duties included were engine strip down and rebuild,clutches,timing chain a...

14 Reviews

Garage in Sudbury, 10 years of experience

Professional, friendly and honest Mobile servicing Mobile repairs Mot's Vehicle transport + recovery

214 Reviews

Garage in Wolverhampton , 15 years of experience

Here at grease monkeyz uk we pride ourselves in customer service and quality workmanship! We provide a garage quality service, for less than a garage price, at your choice of location! Our small team of vehi...

128 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Durham, 15 years of experience

I've been in the trade for well over 15 years now and still get that great buzz from solving customers issues and seeing them happy again. Before I branched out on my own I worked with a company who had a co...

57 Reviews

Garage in Bicester, 15 years of experience

Highly skilled automotive technician, having 9 years of experience with Seat, Skoda, Audi and BMW main dealers in the UK. Skoda and Audi certified technician. I am looking forward in providing a top qualit...

180 Reviews

Garage in Swansea, 27 years of experience

My apprenticeship started in 1996 for 4 years and I worked there for a further 2 years. I left to work for a multi franchise main dealer where I gained lots of knowledge & experience. I then moved to a large...

1 Reviews

Garage in Newton Abbot, 28 years of experience

We are fully equipped to take on anything from a bulb change to a full engine rebuild or restoration on ANY vehicle. We are very well known in the Ford tuning scene as Cosworth tuning specialists, an...

97 Reviews

Garage in Milton Keynes , 10 years of experience

Refinish Centre is an experienced repairer in Milton Keynes specialising in automotive services, repairs and customisation Refinish Directors who have nearly a decade of experience in the trade, establis...

1112 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Swindon, 15 years of experience

I did my apprenticeship at a garage in Swindon as I studied with Northstar College. After graduating I left and went to Charlie Browns auto services for 2-3 years. Following my time at Charlie Browns I went ...

24 Reviews

Garage in Andover, 7 years of experience

I am a fully qualified car mechanic. I finished 3 years of practice and school in the Renault service. I have a Joureyman Certificate in the profession Motor Vehicle Mechanic. Later I worked in a private ...

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.

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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