How Often Should Brake Shoes in Drum Brakes Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Brake shoes in drum brakes should be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers. Once the vehicle exceeds 30,000 kilometers in usage, it is essential to regularly inspect the brake shoes, check their actual thickness, and ensure immediate replacement when they reach their wear limit. Below is more information about automotive brake shoes: 1. Brake shoes are one of the critical components of a vehicle's braking system. The pressure from the braking system is transmitted through the wheel cylinder to the brake shoes, and the friction between the brake shoes and the brake drum generates the braking force that slows down or stops the vehicle. 2. There is no specific time requirement for replacing brake shoes; typically, the decision is based on measuring the actual thickness of the brake shoes. 3. Brake shoes consist of three parts: a steel backing plate, adhesive material, and friction material. The effective part of the brake shoe is the friction material. Once the friction material layer is worn out, the braking performance of the brake shoes declines, so replacement is necessary when the wear reaches the adhesive layer.
To be honest, I've been driving for twenty years and have used many drum brake vehicles, like my old van. The rear drum brake shoes usually need to be checked or replaced every 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers, but this varies from person to person. You see, I often carry loads, use the brakes more frequently, and experience faster wear, so I typically go to the repair shop around 40,000 kilometers. If you hear a clunking sound when braking or feel the brakes getting softer, that usually means the shoes are severely worn. I remember one time I didn’t replace them in time, and the braking distance increased, nearly causing a rear-end collision. Since then, I’ve learned my lesson—I lift the tires every six months to check the thickness myself, saving money on major repairs. I suggest car owners not rely solely on dashboard warning lights but also pay attention to sounds and feel, as driving habits have a big impact. City traffic with frequent stops wears the shoes out even faster. Set a rule: inspect them at least once a year or within 20,000 kilometers—it ensures safety and saves money.
