How much are new brake drums?
When it comes to vehicle maintenance, one of the most critical components to keep an eye on is your braking system. Brake drums, which are essential for the proper functioning of drum brakes, can wear out over time and require replacement. In this article, we will explore the factors that influence the cost of new brake drums, helping you make informed decisions about your vehicle's maintenance.
What Are Brake Drums?
Brake drums are cylindrical components that house the brake shoes in drum brake systems. When you press the brake pedal, the brake shoes expand against the inner surface of the drum, creating friction that slows down the vehicle. Understanding the importance of brake drums is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's safety and performance.
Factors Influencing the Cost of New Brake Drums
The cost of new brake drums can vary significantly based on several factors:
- Vehicle Make and Model: Different vehicles require different types of brake drums, and prices can vary based on the manufacturer and model.
- Quality of Parts: Aftermarket brake drums may be less expensive than OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, but quality can vary. Investing in high-quality parts can enhance safety and longevity.
- Labor Costs: The cost of installation can vary depending on the auto shop's labor rates. Some shops may charge a flat fee, while others may charge hourly.
- Location: Prices can differ based on geographic location. Urban areas may have higher labor costs compared to rural areas.
Average Cost Estimates
On average, the cost of new brake drums ranges from $30 to $100 per drum. However, when you factor in labor costs, the total expense for replacing brake drums can range from $150 to $300 or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. It's always a good idea to get a detailed estimate from your auto service provider.
Conclusion
Replacing brake drums is an essential part of vehicle maintenance that ensures your safety on the road. By understanding the factors that influence the cost, you can better prepare for this necessary expense. If you have any questions or need assistance with your vehicle's braking system, feel free to reach out to us at Kevin's Autos for expert advice and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are signs 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.
How much does it cost to replace brake drums?
The average cost for a Brake Drum Replacement is between $263 and $306.
How long does a drum brake job take?
On average, replacing a pair of drums and shoes takes about two hours from start to finish. However, if you need to replace other components as well, it can take longer. Since drum brakes last so long, it's a good idea to replace the wheel cylinder, adjuster, and springs when you replace the drums and shoes.
What causes brake drums to go bad?
Deep, uniform wear at the edge of the drum where the lining rub path starts can result from brake drag, brake imbalance and dirt embedded in the brake lining. Figures 6.1 and 6.2.
Can you drive with a broken brake drum?
Driving a car with broken brakes is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. If the brakes are malfunctioning, it can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents for you and others on the road.
Are drums more expensive than rotors?
In general, drum brake replacement tends to be slightly cheaper than disc brake replacement due to the lower cost of parts. However, this cost advantage can be negated if the drum itself needs replacing.
How to know if brake drums need to be replaced?
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.
Can bad brakes affect transmission?
Hard braking can cause the engine to shift abruptly between gears, especially in automatic cars. This sudden motion can create stress on the drivetrain components, which include the transmission.
How often should brake drums be replaced?
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.
Are drum brakes easy to replace?
It's not difficult once you've done it but it could be daunting for a first-timer. Sometimes there's a screw that holds the drum to the hub which will need an impact driver to remove. Drums may be reusable but you'll need shoes, hardware and wheel cylinders to do it properly.
