Service and Cost
Typical Cost
1. Parts Cost: - The cost of brake shoes themselves typically ranges from $20 to $100 for a set. The price can vary based on the brand and quality of the brake shoes.
2. Labor Cost: - Labor costs for replacing brake shoes can range from $50 to $150 per axle. This cost can vary significantly the complexity of the job.
3. Total Cost: - Overall, the total cost to replace brake shoes can range from approximately $70 to $250 per axle. This includes both parts and labor.
4. Additional Costs: - If other components of the braking system need attention, such as drums, wheel cylinders, or hardware, the costs can increase. It's not uncommon for a full brake service to include these additional parts, which can add $50 to $200 or more to the total cost.
Typical Service Procedure
1. Inspection: Before replacement, a thorough inspection of the brake system is conducted. This includes checking the brake shoes for wear, damage, or contamination, as well as inspecting other components like the drums, wheel cylinders, and hardware.
2. Removal of Old Brake Shoes: The old brake shoes are removed from the brake assembly. This process involves taking off the brake drum, which may require loosening any rust or corrosion that has built up.
3. Replacement of Brake Shoes: New brake shoes are installed. It’s crucial to ensure they are the correct size and type for the vehicle. The shoes are typically replaced in pairs (both wheels on the same axle) to maintain balanced braking.
4. Inspection and Replacement of Hardware: The hardware that holds the brake shoes in place, such as springs, pins, and clips, is inspected for wear and damage. Often, a hardware kit is used to replace these components to ensure proper tension and function.
5. Adjustment: After installation, the brake shoes are adjusted to ensure they make proper contact with the drum. This may involve manually adjusting the star wheel or using an automatic adjuster mechanism.
6. Inspection of Brake Drums: The brake drums are inspected for wear, scoring, or damage. If necessary, they may be resurfaced (machined) or replaced to ensure a smooth braking surface.
7. Inspection of Wheel Cylinders: The wheel cylinders, which push the brake shoes against the drum, are checked for leaks or damage. If they are faulty, they may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
8. Brake Fluid Check: The brake fluid level is checked, and the system is inspected for leaks. If any air has entered the system, it may need to be bled to ensure proper hydraulic pressure.
9. Testing: Once everything is reassembled, the brakes are tested to ensure they are functioning correctly. This includes checking for proper pedal feel and ensuring the vehicle stops smoothly and evenly.
10. Final Inspection: A final inspection is conducted to ensure all components are properly installed and functioning. This includes checking for any unusual noises or vibrations during braking.These steps help ensure that the brake system is safe and effective, providing reliable stopping power for the vehicle.
What are Brake Shoes and What do they Do?
Brake shoes are a component of a drum brake system, commonly found in older vehicles and some modern vehicles' rear brakes. They are curved, friction-generating components that press against the inside of a brake drum to slow down or stop a vehicle. Here's a more detailed explanation of their role and function:
1. Structure: Brake shoes are typically made of a metal backing plate with a high-friction material bonded to one side. This friction material is crucial for the braking process, as it provides the necessary grip to slow down the wheel.
2. Function: When the driver presses the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is applied to the wheel cylinder, which pushes the brake shoes outward against the inner surface of the rotating brake drum. The friction between the brake shoes and the drum slows down the wheel's rotation, thereby slowing down or stopping the vehicle.
3. Location: Brake shoes are located inside the brake drum, which is attached to the wheel hub. They are part of the drum brake assembly, which also includes the wheel cylinder, return springs, and other hardware.
4. Maintenance: Over time, the friction material on the brake shoes wears down due to the heat and friction generated during braking. Regular inspection and replacement of brake shoes are necessary to ensure effective braking performance and safety.
5. Comparison with Disc Brakes: Unlike disc brakes, which use brake pads and a rotor, drum brakes with brake shoes are generally less expensive and can provide sufficient braking force for many applications. However, they may not dissipate heat as effectively as disc brakes, which can lead to reduced performance under heavy braking conditions.Overall, brake shoes are essential for the safe operation of vehicles equipped with drum brakes, and their maintenance is crucial for ensuring reliable braking performance.
Signs your brake shoes need to be replaced
Brake shoes are a critical component of a vehicle's braking system, particularly in drum brakes. They are responsible for creating the friction needed to slow down or stop the vehicle. Recognizing the signs of failure in brake shoes is essential for maintaining vehicle safety. Here are some common signs that the brake shoes may be failing:
1. Squealing or Scraping Noises: One of the most common signs of worn brake shoes is a high-pitched squealing or scraping noise when the brakes are applied. This noise is often caused by the metal backing of the brake shoe coming into contact with the drum, indicating that the friction material has worn down.
2. Reduced Braking Performance: If you notice that the vehicle takes longer to stop or the brakes feel less responsive, it could be a sign that the brake shoes are worn out and not providing adequate friction.
3. Vibrations or Pulsations: If you feel vibrations or pulsations in the brake pedal when applying the brakes, it could indicate uneven wear of the brake shoes or a warped drum.
4. Pulling to One Side: If the vehicle pulls to one side when braking, it may be due to uneven wear of the brake shoes on one side of the vehicle, causing an imbalance in braking force.
5. Visible Wear: If you can inspect the brake shoes, look for visible signs of wear, such as thinning of the friction material or cracks. The friction material should be at least 1/8 inch thick; anything less may require replacement.
6. Burning Smell: A burning smell coming from the wheels after braking can indicate that the brake shoes are overheating, possibly due to excessive wear or misalignment.
7. Brake Warning Light: Some vehicles are equipped with a brake warning light that may illuminate if there is an issue with the braking system, including worn brake shoes.
8. Spongy Brake Pedal: A spongy or soft brake pedal can be a sign of air in the brake lines, but it can also indicate that the brake shoes are not making proper contact with the drum due to wear.Regular maintenance and inspection of the braking system can help prevent brake shoe failure and ensure safe driving conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable to have your brakes inspected by a professional mechanic.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
