2. BRAKE SHOES

3. PURPOSE • Provide reliable stopping power with high temperature friction materials to stop or slow the vehicle.

6. CONSTRUCTION • Steel ‘shoe’ has high temperature friction material attached by either bonding or riveting. • One shoe has lining which is longer than the other. This is called the secondary shoe. The shorter one is called the primary shoe.

9. LOCATION • 2 brake shoes inside each brake drum. • 2 brake drums per axle (left and right). • The primary (shorter) shoe is the forward facing shoe, in relation to the wheel cylinder. • The secondary (longer) shoe is placed behind the wheel cylinder.

10. PROBLEMS • Wear and over heating reduce brake effectiveness. • Worn brake shoes will cause a low brake pedal if not kept properly adjusted. • Noises caused by dust, worn shoes, loose rivets all require visual inspection to determine required repairs.

11. DIAGNOSIS • Visual inspection is required for determining what parts are required. • A test drive should be done first. • Shoes worn unevenly, to the rivets or steel, cracked or oil soaked should be replaced.

12. APPROXIMATE COST OF REPAIR • Depending on vehicle design, (car, van, light or heavy duty truck, etc…) and quality desired, shoes range from $25 to over $200, 1-2 hours labour. • Shoes come in sets of four to do both sides. • The hold down springs should be replaced at the same time. • Other worn or damaged parts should be replaced also.