Ever heard a grinding noise when braking or noticed your parking brake slacking off?
That’s your car saying, “Hey, I need new brake shoes!”
And if you’re panicking about the brake shoe replacement cost — don’t.
Keep reading to explore the cost of replacing the brake shoe to avoid any wallet nightmares and some warning signs of a bad one to give you a heads-up.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Brake Shoe Replacement Cost?
- Is it Safe to Drive with a Damaged Brake Shoe?
- 6 Signs You Need a Brake Shoe Replacement
- How Long Does a Brake Shoe Last?
- What Is the Difference Between a Brake Pad and a Brake Shoe?
- Can You Replace the Brake Shoe Yourself?
- How to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Brake Shoes?
How Much Does a Brake Shoe Replacement Cost?
Here’re the costs involved in replacing a brake shoe:
A. Range
The average cost for a brake shoe replacement at a car repair shop is between $260 and $300.
This includes:
- Parts: $120 to $160
- Labor costs: $130 to $140
B. Factors Affecting Cost
The cost of brake shoe replacement depends on your vehicle’s make and model, local labor rates, and the parts’ price.
Some other deciding factors are:
- Brake shoe quality: High-quality materials such as ceramic or high-grade metallic components are more expensive than basic versions. However, they offer better performance and longevity.
- Quantity of brake shoes replaced: If you have an older car with drum brakes on all four wheels, replacing all the brake shoes can be more expensive than newer cars with drum brakes on the rear wheels only.
- Additional repairs: If other parts of the brake system are damaged or worn, replacing them can increase the total cost. For instance, a brake drum replacement can cost you between $280 to $400.
Is it Safe to Drive with a Damaged Brake Shoe?
No, it’s risky to drive with worn-out brake shoes.
Damaged brake shoes can’t create effective friction with the drum brake. This leads to longer stopping distances and makes it difficult to stop quickly in emergencies. It can also wear out other parts, leading to costly repairs.
6 Signs You Need a Brake Shoe Replacement
Some red flags of a bad brake shoe in a braking system are:
- Reduced stopping power
- Squeaking or scraping noise while braking
- Vibrations in the brake pedal while braking
- Loose parking brake
- Excessive brake dust visible upon inspection
- Lit brake light warning on the dashboard
How Long Does a Brake Shoe Last?
You should replace your brake shoes every 25,000 to 65,000 miles. But if you catch any warning signs, get them checked out by a mechanic immediately.
Certain factors also affect its longevity, like:
- Aggressive braking
- Riding the brake continuously
- Running your car in puddles which leads to a thermal shock
- Overloading your car
What Is the Difference Between a Brake Pad and a Brake Shoe?
In modern vehicles, brake pads are found in the front and rear wheels as part of disc brake systems. They are commonly used due to their effective stopping power and ease of maintenance.
Brake shoes, however, are usually found on the rear wheels of some older or economy vehicles. This helps combine the superior stopping power of front disc brakes with the cost-efficiency and parking brake integration of rear drum brakes.
Note: Generally, older vehicles from the ‘60s and ‘70s have drum brakes on all four wheels.
Can You Replace the Brake Shoe Yourself?
You should attempt a brake shoe replacement only if you’re confident in automotive repair and its technical know-how.
Why?
Drum brakes have multiple components, such as springs and adjusters, that need careful handling. Any incorrect installation will lead to poor braking performance, uneven wear of other braking system components, or even a complete brake failure.
How to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Brake Shoes?
Here are some good habits to make them last longer:
- Brake gently
- Don’t accelerate while braking
- Use engine braking whenever possible
- Get regular brake service and maintenance
Fix Your Brake Shoes with AutoNation Mobile Service
Investing in regular brake shoe replacements keeps your vehicle running smoothly and ensures safety on the road.
However, attempting to DIY any brake job can be risky and should be left to professionals like AutoNation Mobile Service.
We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance service that offers upfront pricing and a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs.
So why wait?
Contact us and get all your brake repair services, like rotor or brake pad replacement, done right from your driveway.