Drum Brake Shoes

Does the handbrake need to be pulled further up than before, or is the lining in the rear drum brakes worn thin? This category contains brake shoes for drum brakes. They are for you if you maintain an everyday car or a project and want to replace the shoes with the right fit.

What brake shoes do in a drum brake

The brake shoes sit inside the brake drum. When you brake, the wheel cylinder presses them out against the inside of the drum. On many cars, the same shoes are also used for the handbrake. Worn or incorrectly adjusted shoes can therefore cause both weaker braking performance and longer handbrake travel, but this depends on the car's design.

How to choose brake shoes

Fitment comes first. The shoes must match the car, model year and axle, and this is typically stated in the product name, e.g. PowerStop Autospecialty rear shoes for Toyota Camry 05-06 or Hyundai Accent 12-19. In this category you will also find brands such as PowerStop, DFC, EPI and OMIX, as well as BikeMaster with part numbers such as BM-301 and BM-338. Also check the following:

• Springs and hardware: Some part numbers, e.g. for the Jeep Liberty 2002, come with these parts. Otherwise you will find them under drum brake springs and hardware.
• The drum: A scored or worn drum can give an uneven contact surface, even with new shoes.
• The wheel cylinder: A leaking cylinder can contaminate the lining with brake fluid.
• Approval: Whether the part is approved for road use depends on the product and the car. This must be checked for the specific part number.

Installation and maintenance

Replace the shoes in pairs on the same axle so the braking force is distributed evenly. After installation, the shoes typically need to be adjusted towards the drum, either manually or with a self-adjusting mechanism. New linings need a bedding-in period before braking performance is at its full level.

Frequently asked questions

Do the brake drums need to be replaced together with the brake shoes?

Not necessarily. It depends on the drum's wear and grooves, and on whether the diameter is within the car manufacturer's limit. A worn drum can give poor contact and reduced braking performance, even with new shoes.

Why does the car pull to one side after replacing the brake shoes?

It may be because the shoes are not adjusted equally on both sides, or because the lining has not yet been bedded in. A leaking wheel cylinder may also have contaminated the lining. Check the adjustment and cylinders on both sides.

Are the brake shoes approved for road use?

It depends on the product and the car. Check the approval, e.g. R90 where relevant, for the specific part number, and choose shoes listed for your exact car, model year and axle.