Ask brake shoes

Types of Ask Brake Shoes

Brake shoes are the curved metal plates located inside the brake drum. They have friction material attached to their exterior. When the vehicle operator steps on the brake pedal, the brake shoes get pressed against the brake drum. This action creates the required friction that slows down or halts the vehicle's movement.

There are two main types of brake shoes:

• Asbestos brake shoes

  Historically, brake shoes used asbestos as a friction material. This material had excellent properties, such as high heat resistance and durability. However, asbestos was found to be a health hazard, leading to its ban in many countries. Despite the ban, some older vehicles still use asbestos brake shoes. These shoes require careful handling during maintenance or replacement.

• Non-asbestos brake shoes

  Manufacturers developed non-asbestos brake shoes to comply with safety regulations. These shoes use alternative materials like organic compounds, metallic blends, or ceramics. Non-asbestos brake shoes offer comparable performance to asbestos-containing materials. They are quieter and produce less dust compared to older formulations. Moreover, these modern materials pose no health risks when handled properly.

Besides the composition of the friction material, there are also other types of brake shoes. Each type is designed to meet specific vehicle requirements and user preferences.

• Drum brake shoes

  These are the conventional brake shoes found in most vehicles. They work with a brake drum to provide reliable stopping power. Upon actuation, the brake shoes expand and press against the inner surface of the brake drum. This mechanism ensures effective braking performance. Car drum brake shoes are particularly useful in light and heavy-duty vehicles. They are also ideal for trucks that require high braking force.

• Self-adjusting brake shoes

  The self-adjusting brake shoes come with an automatic mechanism that maintains the correct clearance between the shoes and the drum. This feature compensates for wear on the friction material. It also ensures consistent braking performance throughout the lifespan of the brake shoes.

• Slotted brake shoes

  The slotted brake shoes come with shoes that have slots cut into the friction material. These slots serve different purposes depending on the design of the brake shoes. In performance-oriented shoes, the slots help in the quick escape of gas and moisture. This action enhances grip and reduces brake fade. In racing applications, the slots reduce the weight of the shoes without compromising strength.

• Ventilated brake shoes

  Brake shoes with ventilation features help in the quick dissipation of heat. As such, these shoes minimize the chances of brake fade. Ventilated brake shoes are useful in high-performance applications or under extreme loading conditions.

Specification and Maintenance of Brake Shoes

• Inspection

  Regular inspections of brake shoes are vital for safety and optimal function. Experts recommend checking them every 6000-12000 miles. This allows wear patterns and damage to be noticed early. Signs of issues include grinding sounds, vibration on braking, or warning lights. The vehicle should be stationary, and a visual inspection done. Wheels may need to be removed to fully check. The lining should be looked at for thickness loss. Cracks, chips, or splitting should be noted. The shoe frame and hardware also need checking. Eyeballing alone does not reveal all problems. Measuring tools assist in determining lining wear. The difference between the linings and the shoe mounting surface is measured. More than 1/16 inch of difference means shoe replacement.

• Cleaning

  Cleaning brake shoes is an often-overlooked part of maintenance. Dirt, dust, and debris buildup on linings and metal parts over time. This can reduce stopping power. A regular wipe down with a damp cloth removes surface grime. Stubborn residue requires a nylon brush and mild cleaner. Care should be taken not to get cleaning agents on friction material. Water alone is usually sufficient. The shoe's exterior and inside crevices should be targeted. The shoe's exterior and inside crevices should be targeted. Excess moisture after cleaning can lead to rusting of metal components. They should be thoroughly dried after wet cleaning.

• Adjustment

  Some brake systems have self-adjusting features. Manual adjustment is required when stopping power feels uneven or brakes squeal. The instruction manual should be referred to when tightening or loosening the shoe's actuator. The adjuster wheel or lever location is looked up. A gap of 1/32 inch between the lining and drum inner surface is ensured. Too loose or tight shoes need replacement. Keeping the friction material properly spaced prevents premature wear.

• Replacement

  Replacement needs to be done before critical lining loss occurs. Signs that new shoes are required include: The driver feels decreased braking ability, or there is a grinding noise when braking. Visual checks show cracked linings. Wheel removal is required to replace shoes. The vehicle is jacked up, and the wheel lug nuts loosened. The jack is placed on a solid part under the vehicle. The wheel is taken off. The shoe holding hardware is removed. The new shoe set's linings and frames are aligned with the old shoe placement. The hold-down springs and other parts are reinstalled. The drum is put back on, and the wheel is fixed to the specified torque.

How to Choose Ask Brake Shoes

There are several factors that retailers need to consider when sourcing brake shoes for resale. These factors include the following:

• Compatibility

  Car compatibility is very important when choosing the right brake shoes. Different cars have different sizes and types of brake drums. As such, buyers should ensure that the brake shoes are compatible with the brake drums. They can do this by checking the car model, make, and year of the brake shoes.

• Quality

  As much as brake shoes are affordable, buyers should not compromise on quality. Premium shoes offer better performance and are more durable. This, in turn, gives the buyer a good return on investment. Moreover, high-quality brake shoes reduce noise and vibrations, providing a smooth braking experience.

• Type

  There are different types of brake shoes available in the market. Each type is designed for a specific purpose and offers unique features. For example, retailers can source semi-metallic shoes for high-performance vehicles. These shoes offer excellent stopping power and are quite durable.

• Budget

  Buyers should get brake shoes that fit their budget. However, they should note that the price might be affected by the type, material, and brand of the brake shoes. It is advisable to settle for a reputable brand that offers quality products at a competitive price.

• Seller

  Buyers should source brake shoes from a trustworthy and reliable supplier. The supplier should have a good track record and reviews. Additionally, the supplier should offer a warranty in case of defects and provide after-sale services.

How to DIY and Replace

Drum brakes can be complicated, but with the right tools, it’s possible to replace brake shoes without professional help. Here are the steps to take:

Tools and materials needed

• Socket wrench
• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Brake shoe hold-down inster/retainer tool
• New brake shoes
• Brake lubricant
• Brake cleaner
• Jack and jack stands

Steps

• Start by loosening the lug nuts and then jacking the vehicle up. After that, remove the wheel.
• Find the brake assembly and remove the drum.
• Take a picture of the existing brake shoes and hardware.
• Use the pliers and hold-down tool to remove the hold-down springs and clips. Then, remove the parking brake cable and adjuster.
• Remove the old brake shoes and install the new ones. Ensure that the brake shoe lining faces the drum side.
• Reinstall the hold-down springs, clips, parking brake cable, and adjuster.
• Put the drum back and install the wheel.

Q and A

Q1: How often should someone change their brake shoes?

A1: There is no specific period for changing brake shoes. However, it is essential to inspect them regularly. Factors such as driving habits, brake shoe quality, and road conditions can influence wear and tear.

Q2: What are the signs of worn-out brake shoes?

A2: Worn-out brake shoes can cause grinding noises, decreased braking performance, and visible warning signs like score or damage on brake drums. Users may also experience vehicle vibrations during braking.

Q3: Can people use any other material apart from asbestos in brake shoes?

A3: Manufacturers have developed various materials for modern brake shoes that are asbestos-free. These materials, including organic, semi-metallic, and metallic compounds, are safe and effective for braking.

Q4: Are self-adjusting brake shoes different from conventional ones?

A4: Yes, self-adjusting brake shoes automatically adjust to the wear level, ensuring consistent braking performance. They require less manual adjustment compared to conventional brake shoes.

Q5: Is the installation process for front and rear brake shoes the same?

A5: The basic installation process is similar for both front and rear brake shoes. Nonetheless, there may be slight differences in brake components and configurations, especially in vehicles with disc brakes in the front.