Symptoms of Bad or Failing Brake Shoes (Rear)

Brake shoes are the friction element that is used in automotive drum braking systems that are commonly found on many road going cars and trucks. Brake shoes are the curved friction plates that press against the inside of the brake drums to slow the wheels and stop the vehicle. As they work to slow the vehicle using friction and contact, they will wear out over time and need to be replaced. Usually when brake shoes have gone bad or are beginning to have a problem, they will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential problem.

1. Abnormal noises

Abnormal noises are one of the first symptoms that are produced when brake shoes are starting to go out. Excessively worn or dusty brake shoes will produce abnormal noises. For example, excessively worn brake shoes may produce a scraping sound, while dusty or dirty brake shoes may produce a squeak. The noises may be heard as the brake pedal is depressed or released, or in more serious cases, any time the vehicle is in forward motion.

2. Reduced brake response

Another symptom of bad or failing brake shoes is reduced brake response. If the brake shoes become excessively worn or overheated, their capacity to slow the vehicle may be reduced. This may result in a vehicle that takes longer to stop when the brakes are applied, especially during high speed or heavy braking situations.

3. Loose parking brake

A loose parking brake is another symptom of bad or failing brake shoes. For vehicles equipped with drum brakes, the brake shoes are what hold the vehicle in place when the brake is engaged. If the shoes become worn or dusty, they may not be able to hold the weight of the vehicle without slipping. You may notice that the vehicle will sag or roll when the parking brake is engaged. This may also be caused by a parking brake mechanism that may need adjustment, so inspecting the brakes is recommended.

Brake shoes are the friction lining that is used with the drum brake systems that are found on many of today’s cars and trucks. Since they are directly what slows the vehicle, if you suspect that your brake shoes may be having a problem, have the vehicle’s brake system inspected by a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to determine if your car needs a brake shoe replacement.


Next Step

Schedule Brake System Inspection

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Recent Brake System Inspection reviews

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Jesse

17 years of experience
127 reviews
Jesse
17 years of experience
Jaguar S-Type V8-4.2L - Brake System Inspection - Palm Coast, Florida
Jesse showed up for the appointment timely and ready to work. He was polite and professional and competent. He took sufficient time to inspect the vehicle and explained in layman's terms any problems and whatever corrective work that might be required. I highly recommend Jesse and hope to have him service my vehicles again in the future if needed.
Ford Escape - Brake System Inspection - Daytona Beach, Florida
Jesse arrived on time after sending notice 15 mins prior. A true professional Jesse got right down to business. He started his inspection work right away and did a thorough professional job and determined the solution to his findings. I am very pleased. He is a true expert mechanic.

Johnny

34 years of experience
392 reviews
Johnny
34 years of experience
Toyota RAV4 L4-2.4L - Brake System Inspection - Sacramento, California
Johnny arrived early which was great, he performed the inspection in less than half an hour, and gave us a complete quote for all items needing attention, including the brakes as our main concern. Johnny is fast and efficient so I scheduled the work done by him.
Ford Escape - Brake System Inspection - Sacramento, California
The convenience is worth the cost. I was also tired of the dealership not really caring about my old car. Last couple of times I had to wait well over an hour to get my car after the dealership said "It's ready!". They also wouldn't fix the things I asked saying they didn't have time and I need to come back.

Luis

30 years of experience
119 reviews
Luis
30 years of experience
Honda Accord V6-3.0L - Brake System Inspection - Northbrook, Illinois
He's excellent. On Time, honest and all repairs done quickly and correctly. Book him if he's available!

Christopher

16 years of experience
246 reviews
Christopher
16 years of experience
Nissan Sentra L4-2.0L - Brake System Inspection - Charlotte, North Carolina
Very informative and made sure to clarify on what he spoke on so that I understood what was happening with my car

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