How to Buy Good Quality Brake Shoes

Most cars on the road today have a disc brake system, at least on the front end. Cars used to utilize drum brakes on both front and rear, and some cars today still have a drum system in the rear because it’s efficient and affordable, considering that most of the braking power goes to the front wheels.

Brake shoes are to drum brakes what pads are to disc brakes. They are made up of a curved piece of metal with friction material on the outside curve; when you press the brake pedal this shoe is pressed to the inside of the drum, causing the wheels to stop turning.

Just like brake pads, shoes need to be replaced from time to time when the friction-absorbing material wears down. While brake shoes can be remanufactured (unlike brake pads) the price difference isn’t that significant so it’s typically better to go with new ones.

Tips to make sure you’re getting high quality brake shoes:

  • Choose a trusted name: Brakes are not a system you want to skimp on or take a chance with an unknown brand.

  • Standards and specifications: Make sure the parts meet minimum OEM specifications and standards.

  • Choose a friction material: Composites like carbon, fiber, and steel may not last as long as ceramics but they’re more affordable. Organic friction material is quiet and inexpensive but won’t last as long as ceramic.

YourMechanic supplies top-quality brake shoes to our certified mobile technicians. We can also install a brake shoe that you've purchased. Click here to get a quote and more information on brake shoe replacement.


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Recent Brake Shoe Replacement (Rear) reviews

Excellent Rating

(336)

Rating Summary
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Marco

30 years of experience
329 reviews
Marco
30 years of experience
Volkswagen Jetta L5-2.5L - Brake Shoes (Rear) - Corona, California
Marco was reliable and experienced. Found the exact source of the issue no problem and corrected the mistake. He also, gave me answers to questions I had for a few self repairs I have planned.
Chevrolet HHR - Brake Shoe Replacement (Rear) - Moreno Valley, California
Marco from (Your Mechanic ) arrived on time and introduced himself and he got right with the problem changing out the rear brake shoes on my 2009 Chevy HHR. Everything went well in the in changing out the brakes shoes no addition issues.,checked all fluid levels on the vehicle and was done .Thanks

Matthew

34 years of experience
1438 reviews
Matthew
34 years of experience
Volkswagen Passat L4-2.0L Turbo - Brake Shoes (Rear) - Hampton, Virginia
Matt always goes above and beyond.... great service. I have the peace of mind knowing my brake job was done right. Thanks a million. A++++
Pontiac Firebird - Brake Shoes (Rear) - Newport News, Virginia
Always a pleasure to have Matthew work on my car. I have learned so much from him about how to maintain my vehicle.

Manuel

33 years of experience
590 reviews
Manuel
33 years of experience
Nissan Sentra L4-1.8L - Brake Shoes (Rear) - Yorba Linda, California
Shows up on time. great service. with an engine warning light on had an opportunity to sell me things i didnt need instead was honest. highly recommend Manuel
Nissan Sentra - Brake Shoes (Rear) - Long Beach, California
Showed up exactly on time, finished in the one hour he promised. This is the 3rd time Mr. Sanchez has serviced my vehicle, and we have another round scheduled for mid-March. This man is a professional.

Simon

28 years of experience
378 reviews
Simon
28 years of experience
Ford Taurus V6-3.0L - Brake Shoes (Rear) - Washington, District of Columbia
Very great customer service great knowledge of cars u can ask him any question about a car and he will answer u
Toyota Corolla - Brake Shoes (Rear) - Alexandria, Virginia
Simon showed up early, got the rear brake shoes replaced and got done within the estimated time. Needed this repair to pass state safety inspections and it passed! Would use Simon again for future car repairs. Total price cheaper than the local brick and mortar mechanic.

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