Parking Brake Shoes

Does your car roll even with the handbrake pulled, or does the lever have to come up a long way before it bites? This can be caused by worn shoes or a stretched cable. Here we collect parking brake shoes for the rear axle of cars where the parking brake works with shoes inside a drum.

What parking brake shoes do

On many cars with rear disc brakes, the parking brake is a small drum brake inside the hat-shaped centre of the brake disc, while other cars use the rear drum's own shoes. When you pull the handbrake, the cable pushes the shoes out against the drum and holds the car still. The shoes are rarely used while driving and therefore typically wear slowly, but rust, oil or driving with the handbrake on can reduce their grip. This category belongs to our parking brakes.

How to choose the right shoes

The shoes are selected by car and model year, e.g. Power Stop Autospecialty shoes for 16-17 Subaru Crosstrek, 11-18 Dodge Durango or 15-18 Chevrolet Colorado. Also check:

• that the brake setup matches, as the same model can have different rear brakes depending on trim
• the inner diameter of the drum and the width of the shoes if you are unsure
• whether springs and adjuster parts also need replacing

The shoes in this category are from PowerStop.

Installation and adjustment

Replace the shoes in pairs on the rear axle, and clean the backing plate of rust and dirt. After installation, the shoes typically need to be adjusted so they just clear the drum before the cable is readjusted. If the cable is stretched, rusty or stiff, it can make sense to replace it at the same time with one of our parking brake cable kits. Whether the car then passes inspection depends on the car and the overall braking performance – check the information for the specific part number.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if the parking brake shoes are worn?

Typical signs are that the car rolls on a slope with the handbrake pulled, or that the lever has to be pulled high up. This can also be caused by a stretched cable or lack of adjustment, so check both the shoes and the cable.

Can I reuse the old springs and adjuster parts?

Often yes, if the parts are intact and not rusty or fatigued. Weak springs can, however, cause the shoes to drag against the drum, so it depends on the condition of the parts. Check what is included with your part number.

Do new parking brake shoes need to be bedded in after installation?

Many manufacturers recommend a short bedding-in procedure where the shoes are seated against the drum at low speed. Follow the instructions for your specific product, and readjust the handbrake if the lever travel changes.