This article introduces the function, type and maintenance method of brake shoes in depth. As an important part of the automobile brake system, the brake shoe directly affects the safety performance of the vehicle. This article will help car owners better understand the working principle of brake shoes, master the correct maintenance skills, and ensure driving safety.

What is a brake shoe?

The brake shoe is an important part of the automobile brake system, which is located in the brake drum inside the wheel. When the driver steps on the brake pedal, the brake shoes will expand outward and contact the inner wall of the brake drum, thereby generating friction and slowing down the vehicle until it stops. The design and quality of the brake shoe is directly related to the braking performance and safety of the vehicle. The following is a schematic diagram of the position and working principle of the brake shoe in the brake system:

Types of brake shoes

There are two main types of brake shoes on the market: drum brake shoes and disc brake shoes. Drum brake shoes are mainly used for rear wheels, with relatively simple structure and low cost, but poor heat dissipation performance. Disc brake shoes are usually used for the front wheels, with complex structure, good heat dissipation performance and better braking effect. It is very important to choose the brake shoe that suits your model. Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of these two brake shoes:

• Drum brake shoe: Simple structure, low cost, but poor heat dissipation, suitable for rear wheels.
• Disc brake shoe: Complex structure, good heat dissipation, good braking effect, suitable for front wheels.

The working principle of brake shoes

When the driver steps on the brake pedal, the brake master cylinder will generate hydraulic pressure, pushing the piston in the brake wheel cylinder to expand the brake shoe outward. The brake pads on the brake shoes contact the inner wall of the brake drum to generate friction, thereby slowing down the vehicle speed. In this process, the cooperation between the brake shoe and the brake pad is very important to ensure the maximum braking effect. The following is a schematic diagram of the operation of the brake shoe:

Selection criteria for brake shoes

When choosing brake shoes, you need to pay attention to the following aspects: material, size, and brand. High-quality brake shoes are usually made of high-strength alloy steel, which is resistant to high temperature and wear. The size must match the vehicle, otherwise it will affect the braking effect. Choosing brake shoes of well-known brands can guarantee quality and after-sales service. In addition, it is also necessary to learn to identify fake and shoddy products to avoid safety hazards due to quality problems.

Installation procedure of brake shoe

Replacing brake shoes is a more complicated task, but as long as you master the correct method, you can do it yourself. First, prepare the required tools, such as wrenches, screwdrivers, etc. Then, follow the steps below:

1. Park the vehicle on a flat ground, tighten the handbrake, and pad the triangular wood.
2. Remove the tire to expose the brake drum.
3. Loosen the brake shoe fixing bolts and remove the old brake shoe.
4. Clean the inner wall of the brake drum and install new brake shoes.
5. Adjust the clearance between the brake shoe and the brake drum to ensure the braking effect.
6. Reinstall the tires and test the braking effect.

The above steps are for reference only, and the specific operation should be carried out according to the vehicle manual.

Daily inspection and maintenance of brake shoes

In order to ensure the good condition of the brake shoes, regular inspection is very necessary. The inspection items mainly include wear, whether there are cracks, whether there is rust, etc. It is recommended to carry out a comprehensive inspection every 10000 kilometers. When checking, you can do the following:

• Observe the brake shoe surface for obvious wear or cracks.
• Check whether the contact surface between the brake shoe and the brake drum is smooth.
• Check whether the fixing bolts are loose.
• If necessary, replace severely worn brake shoes in time.

Symptoms and treatment of abnormal brake shoes

When there is a problem with the brake shoes, symptoms such as abnormal noise and reduced braking force may occur. When encountering these problems, the causes should be identified in time and corresponding measures should be taken. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Abnormal sound: It may be that the brake shoe is in poor contact with the brake drum or there is foreign matter stuck. Clean the foreign material and adjust the contact surface.
• The braking force drops: It may be that the brake shoes are severely worn or the brake fluid is insufficient. Replace the brake shoes and replenish the brake fluid.

Brake shoe life and replacement cycle

The normal service life of brake shoes is generally about 30000 to 50000 kilometers, depending on driving habits and road conditions. In order to extend the service life of the brake shoes, it is recommended to take the following measures:

• Develop good driving habits and avoid sudden braking.
• Regularly check the wear of the brake shoes and replace them in time.
• Keep the brake system clean and avoid dust and dirt.

Brake shoes and other components of the brake system

Brake shoes