Get Answers to All Your Brake Shoe Queries

The brake shoes are composed of malleable iron, cast steel, drop-forged steel, pressed steel, or cast aluminium. Pressed steel is made at cheaper rates in large quantities, that’s the reason it is generally used. The steel shoes expand at the same rate as the drum when there is a production of heat by applying brake, maintaining the clearance between the brake drum and brake shoe under most situations.

The brake shoes are an older system, and that’s why they have used a lot of different linings to press against the drum. Asbestos was the most commonly used material in the brake shoe and then later its adverse effects were discovered.

These days a lining made of synthetic aramid is used by the brake shoes. Aramid is utilized in a lot of various things but is a general replacement for anything that earlier used asbestos. This is not the only material which is being utilized, but since it is heat-resistant, the synthetic fibers are many times the most liked ones.

The brake shoes are the main part of the car drum brake system parts, and are also one of the earliest braking systems which appeared in the vehicles. It is a large metal barrel or “Drum” which rotates with the wheel as a component of the hub assembly. When the pressure is applied to the brake pedal, then the hydraulic pressure cylinders or pistons force the brake shoes against the internal surface of the drum, which creates friction material and then slows down the vehicle. There are a lot of purposes which are served by the brake shoes. It not only works as the main brakes, also serves the purpose of the automobile's handbrake as well. There is a cable attached to one of the shoes in the automobiles. It is levered by the handbrake within the vehicle. Even these days the drum brake system is utilized within the conventional disc brake systems to act as the handbrake.

The first and foremost problem with the brake shoe is that the linings get bonded to the shoes with no rivets. Just by flicking the lining with a screwdriver might cause the lining to part from the shoes. This can happen with all eight linings on the car. So, if you have bonded linings, then inspect that they are properly attached to the shoe.

Sometimes the brake shoe can crack and break when it is held in place by the drum. Another issue which arises is that the other shoe can also break in a similar place. If you are inspecting your car brakes or replacing the linings, then check the shoes very carefully to be sure that they have not cracked.

Have a look at some symptoms which would arise when there are some defects in the brake shoes:

1. Abnormal noises - In case of some faults in the brake shoes, there would be abnormal noises. The brake shoes which are worn or dusty would produce abnormal noises.

2. Reduced brake response - One another symptom of bad or defective brake shoes is the reduction of brake response. If the brake shoes becomes overheated, then their overall capacity to slow down the vehicle decreases.

3. Loose parking brake - A parking brake which is loose is another symptom of faulty brake shoes. The automobiles which are equipped with drum brakes, it is the brake shoes which hold the automobile in place when the car brake has been engaged.

Do you enjoy repairing your car on your own? Thinking of opening up your own car body shop? It is a great business opportunity if you love cars and possess a good work ethic. Now if you want your shop to be successful, then you will require a combination of effort as well as car mechanic training. And of course, the correct equipment which would upgrade your speed as well as make your repair work easy. If you have the right tools, then you can easily meet the demands of today's car body structures. Here are some of the most essential tools which you might need to repair your brake shoe.

• Car brake shoes (meet or exceed OEM)
• Brake hardware kit
• Brake fluid Brake cleaner
• Brake tools (hold-down remover, spring pliers)
• Hand tools
• High temp grease
• Drip tray
• Gloves

You won’t have to think a lot while purchasing if you are already using a particular car part brand and are fully satisfied with it. There are a lot of people who trust a specific brand and would go with it again with a minimum of thought. Here we have the best brake shoe brands to help you out in choosing the best one for your vehicle. So, what are you waiting for? Have a look below and choose the best brand for your brake shoe.

• Wagner Brake Shoe
• Monroe Brake Shoe
• Acdelco Professional Brake Shoe
• Raybestos Brake Shoe
• Auto Extra Brake Shoe
• Auto 7 Brake Shoe
• Bosch Brake Shoe
• Beck/Arnley Brake Shoe

The brighter you are, the more you have to learn! That’s why we are here to provide you more knowledge about the related parts of the car brake shoe. They are mentioned below as follows:

• Brake Fluid
• Brake Cleaner
• Brake System Grease
• Brake Pad
• Brake Drum
• Wheel Cylinder Brake Hose
• Axle Shaft Seal

Here are some steps which you should follow to change your car brake shoe:

Step 1 - First, release the emergency brake before you start, and then you can always consult your repair manual for instructions particular to your automobile.

Step 2 - The brake drum should be removed and then brake assembly should be checked for signs of leakage. If there is some leakage in the wheel cylinders, then they should be replaced. You can always take a picture and can start making notes about the layout before beginning.

Step 3 - A brake cleaner should clean everything. The cleaner should be allowed to dry, and then the top return springs should be removed. You can always leave one set of brakes assembled in case of reference.

Step 4 - The hold down spring assemblies should then be removed. This job can become easy by using a special removal tool.

Step 5 - Then it is important to remove the brake shoe return spring.

Step 6 - The assembly which would capture the adjuster should be removed and later on the adjuster as well. The adjuster direction should be noted, as it would go back in the same way. The threads should be lightly lubricated with high-temp grease.

Step 7 - You can always remove the shoes and emergency brake cable clip as per the requirement. A screwdriver should be used to remove the clip and then pliers to reinstall.

Step 8 - A brake cleaner should be used to clean the backing plate. It should then be allowed to dry.

Step 9 - The disassembly process should then be reversed by utilizing the new hardware and springs from your brake kit. The adjuster should be backed down so that the drum can be installed with ease. The shoes should be cleaned once last time.

Step 10 - The drum should then be reinstalled. Carefully adjust the car brakes by turning the adjusting star and the drum at the same time until you hear the shoes contact the drum.