You can have the brake shoes inspected at least once a year and expect them to last around 50,000 miles.
However, you don’t have to wait for a scheduled brake inspection to have them checked. Ask your mechanic to review the rear drum brake system during an oil change or whenever any rear wheel is off.
Rear brake shoes generally last about twice as long brake pads because of the vehicle’s brake bias. Front brakes (which are typically disc brakes) take up more of the braking force than the rear brakes (which tend to use drum brake shoes).
What You Can Expect During A Brake Shoe Replacement
A brake shoe replacement can be a complicated process.
Here’s a look at what your mechanic will be doing during a rear brake shoe replacement:
- They’ll jack up the rear axle and make sure the parking brake is released.
- Then, it’s time for them to remove the rear brake drum. This involves removing the axle bearing retainer nut (if there is one). Sometimes, the rear brake drum is stuck on the axle because of rust which needs to be loosened first.
- After this, they’ll inspect the rear brake assembly (springs, backing plate, axle, etc.) and clean everything.
- That’s followed by inspecting each rear brake shoe for contamination and thickness.
- Now, they’ll check the wheel brake cylinder to make sure there’s no brake fluid leak. If this is an older vehicle or used for heavy-duty, they’ll likely need to change the wheel brake cylinder.
- They’ll disconnect the parking brake cable and remove the brake shoes from the backing plate.
- They’ll replace the wheel cylinder if needed. Your mechanic may advise replacing them as a set because if one wheel cylinder is leaking, the other one probably isn’t too far behind.
- Next, they’ll install the new brake shoe set onto the backing plate and reconnect the parking brake cable too.
- Then they’ll reinstall the rear brake drum and ensure each lug nut is secured correctly. They may machine the brake drum first to give the new brake shoe set a clean surface.
- Once done, they’ll check the brake fluid level.
- And finally, they’ll set the rear brake shoes with the adjuster and perform essential safety inspections.
So, the next question is, how much does a brake shoe repair cost?
How Much A Brake Shoe Replacement Costs
The cost of your brake shoe replacement will depend on a few factors:
- Material: The brake shoe material has an impact on the pricing. Ceramic or semi-metallic shoes can cost around $20-$50.
- Size: The size of the brake shoe is a major cost driver. For example, a small brake shoe set for a compact car costs between $14-$28, while a larger shoe set can be $35-$65.
- Labor cost: Labor rates will depend on your location. , Typically, the labor cost for a brake shoe replacement averages around $220-$360.
To give you an idea, here are some examples of how much a brake shoe replacement costs for specific makes and models:
| Vehicle model | Average Dealer Cost |
| 2011 Porsche Boxster | $662.82 |
| 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | $200.08 |
| 2008 Land Rover Range Rover | $203.59 |
Now that you know how much a replacement will cost, what’s the best way to get an affordable brake repair done?
A Simple Solution To Your Brake Shoe Replacement Needs
You’ll naturally want a trustworthy technician to deal with your brakes. After all, brakes are vital components of your vehicle, and you need them working in perfect condition.
So, when looking for a brake shoe or brake pad replacement service, make sure that that the mechanics:
- Are ASE-certified
- Use only high-quality replacement brake parts and tools
- Offer a service warranty
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