how to check drum brake shoes

How to Check Drum Brake Shoes

Drum brakes play a crucial role in the braking system of many vehicles. To ensure your vehicle operates safely and efficiently, it’s vital to regularly check the condition of your drum brake shoes. Here’s a detailed guide on how to inspect your drum brake shoes effectively.

Understanding Drum Brake Shoes

Drum brake shoes are components that press against the inner surface of a brake drum to create friction, which helps slow down or stop the vehicle. Over time, these shoes can wear down due to constant friction and heat generated during braking. Regular inspection can help you catch wear early and maintain your vehicle's safety.

Tools You Will Need

Before you begin the inspection, gather the following tools

Step-by-Step Inspection Process

1. Prepare the Vehicle Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the parking brake is engaged. Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts slightly while the wheels are still on the ground. Then, jack the vehicle up and secure it with jack stands.

2. Remove the Wheel Completely remove the lug nuts and take the wheel off to expose the drum brake assembly.

3. Inspect the Brake Drum Before checking the shoes, examine the condition of the brake drum itself. Look for any deep grooves, cracks, or scoring. If the drum is damaged, it may need to be resurfaced or replaced.

4. Check Brake Shoe Thickness The most critical part of the inspection is measuring the thickness of the brake shoes. Remove the brake drum carefully; you may need to tap it gently with a rubber mallet. Once you have access to the shoes, use a tape measure to check their thickness. New brake shoes typically have a thickness of about 10-12 mm, while any measurement below 3 mm indicates it's time for replacement.

5. Look for Cracks and Wear Inspect the entire surface of the braking material for cracks, chips, or signs of excessive wear. Check the edges of the shoes as well; uneven wear can lead to poor braking performance. If you notice any significant wear patterns or damage, replace the shoes.

6. Inspect the Springs and Hardware Check the return springs and other hardware components for rust or wear. Springs should be intact and not stretched. Any signs of wear on these components can affect the functioning of the brake shoes.

7. Reassemble and Test After inspecting and potentially replacing the brake shoes, carefully put everything back together. Reinstall the drum, wheel, and lug nuts tightly. Lower the vehicle and securely tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications. Start the vehicle and gently test the brakes in a safe area to ensure proper function.

Conclusion

Regular inspection of drum brake shoes is essential for maintaining vehicle safety. Ideally, you should check your brakes every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or whenever you notice any signs of brake issues such as squeaking or decreased braking performance. By following these steps, you can identify potential problems early and ensure safe driving conditions. If you’re ever in doubt or unfamiliar with brake systems, consulting with a professional mechanic is always a wise choice.