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Parking brake shoes: replacement and selection

When and when is necessary to replace parking brake shoes

The parking brake shoes are expendable elements. Average operational lifetime of these parts is 60 000 – 70 000 kilometers of mileage. The components are replaced if the friction linings gained thickness less than 3-5 mm and in case of parts deformation, appearance of cracks, deep scratches and shears on them. If one shoe is thinner than other or both of them are worn-out, they also should be replaced.

Brake shoes wear rate depends on production quality of parts materials and driving style. For example, during car driving with the parking brake lever not lowered to the stop, the shoes overheat thus their lifetime is shortening. Moreover, useful lifetime of the parts is influenced by braking system condition, particularly, brake cylinders: damages of these components lead to uneven wear of the shoes.

Increased or decreased travel of the parking brake lever can point out necessity of expendable elements replacement. In many cases, wear-out of the parts is indicated by inefficiency of parking brake operation. If the drum brake system is installed in the rear axle, then screeching, knocking and scraping noises during braking may indicate defectiveness of the shoes. Moreover, many manufacturing companies equip the brake shoes with special wear indicators (mechanical or electric) which activate at abrasion of the components to the minimally allowable thickness.

It is recommended to replace these components on the whole axle. During this it is preferable to check condition of other brake pads/shoes, as well as discs and drums, and replace them if necessary.

How to select parking brake shoes

According to production material of the friction linings, these parts are divided to semi-metallic and organic. The semi-metallic pads consist of mixture of metallic powder and non-organic components. They are not expensive and notable for high thermal output. Disadvantage of these parts is the fact that their efficiency lowers at low temperature. The organic components are made of fibers of glass, kevlar, rubber and high-temperature resins. Advantage of these pads is low noise level during operation. In addition, these parts almost do not abrade the working surface of drums or discs.

When buying the shoes, give preference to well-known manufacturers with good reputation. For example, you can buy high-quality kits of parking brake mechanisms shoes from such brands as ATE, TRW, ABE, Metzger and others.

The brake shoes differ from one another by dimensions. In order to select suitable parts, you need to follow diameters and thickness of brake discs or drums.