THE IMPORTANCE OF REPLACING YOUR DRUM BRAKE HARDWARE
                     THE IMPORTANCE OF REPLACING YOUR DRUM 
BRAKE HARDWARE
Mark Sanford
Writer at Brake System University providing advice, 
reviews and information on brake system components 
including 
abs brake sensor reviews by brake system university / 
brake line replacement kit from brakesystems.autopartsu
.com
.
The vast majority of automobiles on the road have disc brakes. Some 
automobiles have drum brakes along the back axle, and most people are 
surprised to learn these rear drum brakes also serve as parking brakes. 
Parking brakes are connected to the drum brakes in the back through 
parking brake cables. Ultimately, drum brakes will need to be replaced, and 
every vehicle’s drum brake hardware will require replacement along with 
it.
DRUM BRAKE HARDWARE LIFESPAN
In general, drum brakes along the real axle typically last around 150,000 
miles. However, there are several different factors that determine the 
useful life of drum brakes and the point in time at which they require 
replacement. Automobile manufacturers do not state the exact intervals 
for drum brake replacement but recommend that drivers have their 
vehicle’s brakes inspected at regular intervals. Most brake inspections 
occur when the tires are rotated. Drum brakes are positioned behind the 
drums, meaning the drums must be removed in order for the inspection to 
take place.
REPLACING THE DRUM BRAKE HARDWARE
Drum brake replacement requires replacing both the brake shoes as well as the 
drums and related hardware. If any of the drum brake hardware components fail 
inspection, they must be replaced. As an example, there is a chance the wheel 
cylinder will not work as it should or leak, prompting replacement. As a 
precaution, all hardware should be replaced with the brake shoes and drums.
Drums are designed in a manner that permits machine resurfacing. However, 
replacing the drum brakes is typically the better decision as machining causes the 
drums to become that much thinner and prone to overheating. In most cases, 
drums have the maximum diameter stamped on them for easy reference. The 
diameter is the primary determinant as to whether the drum brake requires 
replacement.
If replacement is necessary, the drum brake will have to be readjusted. There is 
also a chance that the parking brake’s mechanism will also require adjustment. 
The replacement of the drum brakes along the rear axle including the drums, 
shoes, and hardware in the typical automobile is affordable. In general, this 
replacement project typically runs between $400 and $800 per axle. However, it is 
possible to replace drum brake hardware yourself, without the help of a seasoned 
mechanic. If you decide to change the drum brakes on your own, be sure to 
adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions as well as safety precautions to 
complete the job in a thorough and safe manner. This project requires precision as 
drums have several components assembled in a nuanced manner.
DRUM BRAKE HARDWARE IS ESSENTIAL TO DRIVER AND RIDER SAFETY
When the driver of an automobile presses the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure 
within the brake’s master cylinder moves across the hydraulic braking system, 
pushing the pistons out from the wheel brake’s cylinder. These pistons push out 
the brake shoes. The result is the lining contacting the brake drum. This contact 
slows the brake drum. The drum absorbs the heat that is generated, helping to 
reduce this warmth for optimal brake system functionality and safety. Drum 
brakes of the duo-servo variety have somewhat of an internal energizing 
capability in which the rotating drum drags the brake shoes along the anchor. The 
result is a pressing of the brake shoes to the drum with that much more force.
Once the brake pedal releases, return springs move the brake shoes out from the 
brake drum. An adjuster creates a resting position for the brake shoes. The 
adjuster plays the important role of ensuring there are adequate gaps between 
the drum and the shoes. Today’s vehicles have an automatic adjuster that is made 
to permit self-adjustment when brake shoes wear down. However, there is the 
potential for the automatic adjuster to seize up and no longer function. If this 
occurs, the brake hardware will require immediate servicing and probable 
replacement.
DRUM BRAKE HARDWARE CAN ONLY TAKE SO MUCH STRESS
The hardware used in drum brake systems endures considerable stress. If this 
hardware is not replaced, there is the potential it will fail, leading to problems 
with the rear brakes. This is precisely why it is prudent to replace the drum brake 
hardware when a rear brake job is performed. Taking this action in a preventative 
manner saves that much time and energy down the line. However, most drivers 
are unaware of the fact that brake hardware is typically not changed when new 
brake pads and brake rotors are added.
Keep in mind that when a car stops while traveling in reverse, the shoe pulls 
against the drum. If this gap continues to grow, the adjusting lever will rock, 
moving the adjuster gear. The wear along the shoes causes that much more 
advancement in the adjuster. It is possible that the drum will stop functioning as it 
should if the shoes move too far away, ultimately compromising brake system 
functionality. The bottom line is drum brake hardware is subjected to considerable 
heat, corrosion, and moisture that cause gradual wear. Fail to replace this 
hardware in a timely manner and the braking system’s functionality will be 
compromised or, at the very least, make annoying noise every time you press the 
brake pedal.
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