Brake shoes need to be replaced but..

[akcc]

hi, my girl friend's brake shoes for her corolla 2001 is almost done, it has about 20% left, and she is tight on money at the moment, what happens if she doesn't replaces them? will it cause more stress on the front brake pads and disc or it simple wont effect much?

[sam333]

It wont hurt anything as long as you dont let them get down to metal. The pads take most of the braking. One thing is, when the shoes get really thin, they can crack and fall apart( you will know when that happens).

[bail_w]

If money is really tight, you guys should buy the pads (~40 dollars for both sets) and DIY.

[akcc]

the pads in the front are fine, just the shoes in the back are at its last 20%, to me, i know the effects of finished pads since my car uses 4 disc, her on the other hand 2 disc 2 drums, which i dont know the results of finished shoes what it would do to the drums or the front discs but now i know the results so it is fine thanks for the replies

[Kyle Hamelin]

Originally Posted by akcc

the pads in the front are fine, just the shoes in the back are at its last 20%, to me, i know the effects of finished pads since my car uses 4 disc, her on the other hand 2 disc 2 drums, which i dont know the results of finished shoes what it would do to the drums or the front discs but now i know the results so it is fine thanks for the replies

I would think your front breaks would wear much quicker. If there is no breaks left in the back something has to stop the car right? Also I'm guessing the parking break on the car is almost useless right now too seeing as that controls your drums.

[Kyle Hamelin]

I would say if you do this fix yourself it would cost around 150$ max. I paid 50$ for one shoe and one drum. So 100$ overall. If you doing it just remember to take lots of pictures after the drum is off. Or keep one drum in tack while working on the other. Tons of springs inside and look confusing at first

[militarydave]

in my opinion: this is a lot of over-analyzing!

not sure where the OP is located, but if there's an oreilly auto parts or Kragen/Shucks/Checkers nearby,

the rear set of brake shoes (x2) are $15

they turn rotors/drums for $15 ( x2 drums turned: $30)

some brake fluid, brake cleaner, and shop towels (what.. maybe another $8-10 bucks?)

so, if you DIY:

you're looking at under $50 for the entire rear brakes if you decided to do it yourself. (granted you have a floor jack and jackstands, or at least know somebody, neighbor, relative, friend who's got one).


worse comes to worse, you'll send another $7 on the rear brake hardware kit (new springs, rubber gromments, etc).


under $50 bro. do that for your girlfriend, and you're guaranteed some brownie points!

[fishexpo101]

^^^ Agreed, not too hard, but if you don't feel comfortable around the brakes - take it in to be worked on. Don't screw around with a potential safety component, if you are not sure.

TIPS:
- If you don't already have one - get a Chiltons or Haynes service manual - for around $20, you'll save a small fortune doing simple repairs/service yourself. Will pay for itself the first time you DIY.

- Don't blow apart both wheels as the same time, use the untouched side as a reference for the side you are working on. Also doesn't hurt to take a picture of the brakes before you touch them - that way, you can easily see if your are putting the springs back in the same order or not.

- Brake shoes have a leading and trailing shoe - don't mix them up, or the brakes will be screwed up. You'll know when you have them backwards and the brakes won't release - no worries, just let them cool down, reverse the shoes and you should be good to go.

- Don't forget to lube the pads on the backing plate and the screw adjuster - most of the time, these parts are missed, leading to sticking brakes and/or uneven wear and performance.

[scys]

Or you could just take the $50 and put life insurance on her and let her drive around with no rear brakes. Maybe the wheel cylinder will over extend.