Brake Shoes

Brake shoes are crescent-shaped metal parts with a friction lining on one side that provide stopping power for drum brakes. When you press on the brake pedal, pistons in drum brakes push the brake shoes out against the inside of the spinning drum. This resistance slows down the vehicle.

Brake shoes are made of friction material that pushes against the brake drum, causing enough braking force to slow the car. Friction material wears down over time, and when worn away will make an audible sound when pressing against the brake drum. This is your sign that the brake shoes need replacing.

The brake pads in a disc braking system push and squeeze inward on the brake disc, providing greater braking power. Brake shoes do the opposite as they pull away from the brake drum. This is why brake pads provide greater braking power and are more commonly used in disc braking systems.

Some people also tend to “ride the brake,” meaning they press and depress their brakes more habitually than other drivers, causing the brake pads to wear away more quickly. Brake pads and shoes are generally thought to be good between 30,000-35,000 miles in urban use.