What is the lifespan of rear drum brakes?
3 Answers
The service life of rear drum brakes is 120,000 to 150,000 kilometers. This means that under normal driving conditions, replacement should be considered when the vehicle reaches this mileage. The lifespan of drum brakes cannot be measured solely by time; it primarily depends on the mileage driven. For most vehicles under normal driving conditions, the lifespan of the front brake pads is 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers. Here are some relevant details: 1. Under normal conditions, the front brake pads have a lifespan of 30,000 kilometers, while the rear brake pads last about 60,000 kilometers. Since each vehicle's driving distance varies, the wear level of the brake pads will also differ. 2. When the brake pads become too thin, their effectiveness significantly decreases. During inspection, note that new brake pads are typically around 1.5 cm thick. If the brake pads wear down to only about 0.3 cm, they should be replaced promptly.
I've been commuting in a sedan and feel there's no fixed standard for the lifespan of rear drum brakes. It depends on the car's age and road conditions. Since I'm often stuck in city traffic and use the brakes frequently, mine started making noise and needed replacement at around 40,000 km. But with less highway driving, they can last 50,000-80,000 km. Driving habits are crucial – aggressive braking wears them out faster, while smooth acceleration extends their life. I also notice weather impacts; rainy seasons cause moisture that rusts the springs, so I recommend cleaning the brake drums every season. Check the thickness regularly and don't let it go below 2mm – it's safer and saves money. Last month, a friend's car had brake failure and almost crashed; replacing the parts cost 200 yuan. Don't just rely on the repair shop's advice – pay attention to changes yourself for safety.
I believe the lifespan of drum brakes is influenced by multiple factors, typically ranging between 30,000 to 80,000 kilometers. From years of driving experience, I've found that regular maintenance can extend their service life. The key is monitoring brake shoe wear - it's recommended to inspect every 10,000 km and replace immediately when thickness reduces to 1.5mm. Otherwise, you may experience grinding noises or extended braking distances, with severe cases risking complete brake failure which is extremely dangerous. Cleaning dust and metal shavings helps prevent accelerated wear from debris accumulation. My car is usually parked in a dry garage and I use anti-rust spray, which helped my brakes last 60,000 km before replacement. Quality matters too - OEM parts are more durable while aftermarket parts are cheaper but prone to failure. During replacement, pay attention to the condition of the lining and springs - this approach saves money overall while ensuring peace of mind.
