The average drum brake replacement cost typically ranges from $210 to $1,160 for parts and labor, depending on the vehicle and which brake components are worn.
Most vehicles use rear drum brakes with front disc brakes, and repairs are typically performed on both wheels of the same axle to maintain balanced braking performance and prevent uneven wear.
A drum brake service may involve replacing several components, including the brake drum, brake shoes, or wheel cylinder, depending on their condition.
Several factors can affect the final repair cost:
- Vehicle make and model
- Parts quality (OEM parts vs aftermarket)
- Additional brake repair needs
- Labor rates
Common signs of bad drum brakes include:
- Weak braking performance
- Grinding noise from the rear wheels
- Brake pedal vibration
- Vehicle pulling during braking
- Loose or ineffective parking brake
Driving with worn drum brakes can increase stopping distance and reduce braking performance, so a brake inspection is recommended if these symptoms appear.
For more details, keep reading.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Drum Brake Replacement Cost?
- 4 Factors That Affect Drum Brake Replacement Costs
- What Are the Signs of Bad Drum Brakes?
- Is It Safe to Drive with Bad Drum Brakes?
- Is Drum Brake Replacement a DIY Repair?
- When is Brake Inspection Recommended?
- 3 FAQs on Drum Brakes
How Much Does a Drum Brake Replacement Cost?
A typical drum brake replacement cost ranges between $210 and $1160, depending on the vehicle and the parts that need replacement.
Vehicles with drum brakes typically have rear drum brakes and front disc brakes. Repairs are usually performed on both wheels of the axle simultaneously. This ensures balanced braking performance and prevents uneven wear in the brake system.
During a drum brake repair, several brake components may be replaced, including the:
- Brake drum
- Brake shoe
- Wheel cylinder
As such, the total cost of a brake job depends on the condition of these components. Let’s take a look at the parts and labor breakdown:
A. Parts cost:
Here are typical price ranges for common drum brake parts:
- Brake drum: $240 – $250
- Brake shoes: $140 – $150
- Wheel cylinder: $30 – $90
B. Labor cost:
Labor varies depending on the vehicle and the complexity of the brake service. Typical labor costs include:
- Brake drum: $80 – $130
- Brake shoes: $170 – $260
- Wheel cylinder: $180 – $280
What factors contribute to these costs?
4 Factors That Affect Drum Brake Replacement Cost
The total brake replacement cost varies primarily based on these factors:
1. Vehicle Make and Model
Different vehicles use different brake components.
Drum brake parts for a compact sedan may cost less than those for a larger SUV or truck. Heavier vehicles also place more load on the rear brakes, causing faster wear and sometimes requiring larger, more expensive components — both of which increase replacement costs.
2. Parts Type
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts typically cost more than aftermarket replacement parts. Both options can work well, but the price difference can affect the total repair cost.
3. Additional Brake Repairs
Sometimes, drum brake replacement is performed along with related brake repair services, such as:
A leaking wheel cylinder, for example, may contaminate a brake shoe with brake fluid, requiring additional parts and labor. Replacing worn parts together can help restore proper braking performance and prevent future issues in the brake system.
4. Labor Rates and Location
Labor rates vary by region and repair shop. Urban areas typically have higher labor costs, while smaller towns may offer lower service rates.
Vehicle design can also impact labor costs. For example, during a brake drum replacement, some vehicles require additional time to remove the drum or adjust the parking brake mechanism, which increases total labor time.
Now, let’s look at how to identify a drum brake problem.
What Are the Signs of Bad Drum Brakes?
Watch out for these common signs of a worn drum brake system:
- Weak brakes: If your vehicle takes longer than usual to stop, worn brake shoes or a damaged brake drum may be reducing overall braking performance.
- Grinding noise from rear drums: A worn brake shoe can rub against the inside of the drum, causing a loud grinding noise. This often indicates excessive wear in the rear drums.
- Brake pedal vibration: The brake pedal may vibrate when braking if the brake drum surface becomes uneven.
- Vehicle pulling when braking: If one rear brake wears faster than the other, the vehicle may pull slightly to one side during braking.
- Loose or ineffective parking brake: Because many vehicles use rear drums for the parking brake, worn components may prevent it from holding the vehicle properly.
- Physically damaged drums: During a brake inspection, mechanics may notice deep grooves, cracks, or discoloration on the brake drum surface.
If you suspect your drum brakes are failing, the natural question would be:
Is It Safe to Drive with Bad Drum Brakes?
Driving with worn rear drum brakes isn’t recommended because braking performance can be reduced and stopping distances may increase. The drum brake system plays an important role in slowing the vehicle and supporting the parking brake, so worn components can affect overall braking stability.
In some cases, the vehicle may still be drivable for a short time. However, continued driving can cause additional wear on other brake components and increase the total cost of brake repairs.
If you have a problem with your rear brakes, getting a professional mechanic to check them is the safest way to determine whether the drum brake or related components need repairs.
Is Drum Brake Replacement a DIY Repair?
Although possible, it’s usually best to leave drum brake replacement to professionals.
Drum brake systems contain several small parts, including:
- Springs
- Levers
- Parking brake components
These parts must be installed correctly to maintain safe brake system operation. Improper installation can affect braking performance and lead to additional repairs. A professional technician or mobile mechanic can complete the brake job safely and ensure all components are properly adjusted.
That said, you don’t have to wait for problems to crop up before getting a brake inspection.
When is Brake Inspection Recommended?
Other than routine brake maintenance, brake inspections can also be done during services such as:
- Tire rotation
- Oil change
Regular brake inspection helps detect problems before they become serious. A typical inspection may include:
- Checking brake shoes
- Inspecting the brake drum surface
- Checking wheel cylinders
- Inspecting brake fluid levels
These checks help identify worn components before they affect braking performance.
Still have questions?
3 FAQs on Drum Brakes
Here are the answers to some FAQs on drum brakes:
1. How Do Drum Brakes Work?
A drum brake is a type of braking system commonly used on the rear wheels of many vehicles.
Inside the drum brake system:
- The wheel cylinder pushes the brake shoes outward.
- The shoes press against the inside of the brake drum.
- This friction slows the wheel’s rotation and stops the vehicle.
This system differs from a disc brake system, which uses brake pads, a brake rotor, and calipers. Disc brakes are more common on front wheels, while drums are often used on the rear axle.
2. How Long Do Drum Brakes Typically Last?
Drum brakes usually last about 150,000 to 200,000 miles, depending on driving conditions.
However, the brake shoes may need to be replaced sooner.
Factors that affect lifespan include:
- Driving habits
- Vehicle load
- Frequency of braking
- Overall rear brake wear
For example, frequent braking in city traffic can cause faster wear on the rear brakes.
3. Are Drum Brakes Cheaper to Replace than Disc Brakes?
In many vehicles, drum brake replacement is often less expensive than disc brake repairs.
Several factors contribute to this difference:
- Simpler brake components: Drum systems use fewer parts than disc brake systems, which include calipers, brake pads, and brake rotors.
- Lower parts cost: Components like brake shoes and brake drums typically cost less than brake pads and a brake rotor.
- Longer replacement intervals: Drum components can sometimes last longer than rear brake pads. Also, most braking force comes from the front brake system, so rear drum brakes often wear more slowly.
That said, repair costs still depend on the vehicle, labor rates, and whether additional brake service is required.
Get Your Drum Brakes Fixed with AutoNation Mobile Service
If your vehicle is showing signs of worn rear drum brakes, a professional inspection can confirm the cause.
AutoNation Mobile Service provides mobile brake repair and diagnostics performed by experienced technicians at your home or workplace. Many common brake services, including drum brake replacement, can be completed during a scheduled appointment.
All repairs are backed by a 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty on parts and labor, helping give drivers confidence in the quality of the work.
Contact us to get any brake service or auto repair done right in your driveway.