Brake Shoes

Brake shoes are the curved friction components used in drum brakes. They press outward against the inside of the drum to slow the wheel, and are most commonly found on the rear axle of smaller and older vehicles.

What it does

A wheel cylinder pushes the shoes outward against the inner surface of the rotating drum. Drum brakes are self-energising, so the rotation helps press the shoes harder against the drum.

Signs a set of brake shoes is failing

A handbrake that pulls further up the travel than it used to
A scraping noise from the rear that changes with road speed
The vehicle pulling to one side under braking
Reduced rear braking effect, often noticed as a longer pedal

When to replace them

Rear shoes typically outlast front pads by a wide margin, often 60,000 to 100,000 km. Inspect them whenever the drums are off.

What to confirm before ordering

Have these ready and the counter can usually confirm the part in under a minute.

Drum internal diameter, since drums wear oversize and worn drums need matched shoes
Whether the vehicle uses a leading or trailing shoe arrangement
Condition of the wheel cylinders, which often leak by the time shoes are due
Whether the fitting kit of springs and adjusters is needed

Brake Shoes by vehicle

Pick your vehicle for the years and engines covered, and what is specific to that application.

Brake Shoes questions

Should the drums be replaced with the shoes?

Measure the drum against its stamped maximum diameter. Drums wear oversize and develop a lip, and fitting new shoes into a worn drum gives poor contact and a soft pedal.

Why replace the springs and adjusters too?

They fatigue with heat cycling. A weak return spring leaves the shoe in light contact with the drum, which causes drag, overheating and premature wear on parts you have just fitted.