How do I know if my drum brakes are worn out?
Drum brakes are a common type of braking system found in many older vehicles, as well as some modern ones. Over time, the brake shoes and other components can wear down, reducing the effectiveness of the brakes. Knowing the signs of worn-out drum brakes can help you identify issues early and ensure your vehicle remains safe to drive.
Symptoms of Worn Drum Brakes
Here are some key signs that your drum brakes may need to be inspected or replaced:
- Decreased Braking Performance: If you notice your vehicle takes longer to come to a stop or feels less responsive when you apply the brakes, this could be a sign of worn drum brake components.
- Grinding or Squeaking Noises: As the brake shoes wear down, you may hear grinding, squeaking, or other unusual noises coming from the wheels when you apply the brakes.
- Pulling to One Side: If your vehicle pulls to one side when braking, it could indicate uneven wear on the drum brake components.
- Vibration or Pulsing Pedal: Worn drum brakes can cause the brake pedal to vibrate or pulsate when applied, which can be felt through the pedal.
- Visible Wear on Brake Shoes: Periodically inspecting the visible portion of the brake shoes can reveal if they are excessively worn and need replacement.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to have your drum brakes inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to ensure your vehicle's safety.
Measuring Drum Brake Wear
To accurately assess the condition of your drum brakes, a mechanic will need to measure the thickness of the brake shoes and the diameter of the brake drums. Brake shoes typically need to be replaced when they reach a minimum thickness, usually around 1/8 inch (3.2 mm). Brake drums may also need to be resurfaced or replaced if they are worn beyond the manufacturer's recommended specifications.
Regular maintenance and inspection of your drum brakes is essential to ensure your vehicle's braking system remains in good working order. By being aware of the signs of wear and having your brakes checked periodically, you can help prevent potential safety issues and extend the life of your drum brake components.
What happens if you drive with bad drum brakes?
Driving on grinding brakes can cause further damage to the brake system and reduce stopping power. It's important to seek professional brake repair as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
What is the life expectancy of drum brakes?
around 150,000 to 200,000 miles
Drum brakes are designed to be operable for around 150,000 to 200,000 miles, while the shoes are meant to last for 30,000 to 40,000 miles. These values, however, are rated for regular driving conditions, and various factors could affect the longevity of the brake drums.
How to tell if drum brakes need replacing?
How to Tell If Your Drum Brakes Need to Be Serviced
- The back of the car shakes or pulls to one side when applying the brakes.
- The brake pedal vibrates or feels soft.
- The parking brake feels loose or doesn't hold the car in place.
- The brakes grind or squeal when applied.
How do you check brake drum wear?
Place a brake drum diameter gauge inside the drum. Take several measurements within 90 degrees of each other at the top and bottom of the inside of the drum's friction surface. nominal diameter: Replace the brake drum. NOTE: If a brake drum is out-of-round: Replace the drum.
Can you drive with bad drum brakes?
You shouldn't drive at all with grinding brakes.
Get it fixed immediately. Every mile risks more damage and reduces safety.
What year did they stop using drum brakes?
Now practically all cars use disc brakes on the front wheels, and many use disc brakes on all four wheels. In the United States, the Jeep CJ-5 (manufactured by AM General) was the final automobile (produced for the United States Postal Service) to use front drum brakes when it was phased out in 1986.
How do I know if my drum brakes need replacing?
How to Tell If Your Drum Brakes Need to Be Serviced
- The back of the car shakes or pulls to one side when applying the brakes.
- The brake pedal vibrates or feels soft.
- The parking brake feels loose or doesn't hold the car in place.
- The brakes grind or squeal when applied.
How much should a rear drum brake job cost?
Per axle. The average brake drum replacement cost averages between $275 and $399 depending on the type of the vehicle you have the type of repair shop you're taking your vehicle to.
What are the symptoms of a bad brake drum?
Here are some of the symptoms associated with a faulty brake drum:
- Scraping or Grinding Noise.
- Low Brake Pedal.
- Soft Brake Pedal.
- Pulsation in the Brake Pedal.
- Mechanical Fade.
- Lining Fade.
- Gas Fade.
- Water Fade.
Can you check drum brakes without removing wheel?
Come in a bit and feel loose. And that's what's going to let it get out of that groove in the drum. So that you can remove it remember having to get in here to do this is kind of a rare.
