Sylvie Willis
Drum brakes are built to last 100,000 to 150,000 miles, but they need to be inspected and serviced more frequently than disc brakes. This is because wear cannot be seen with the naked eye, and if left unchecked, a damaged brake system could lead to an accident. The most common reason for drum brake failure is poor brake fluid condition, which should be replaced every 2-4 years. Other reasons to replace drum brakes include air in the drum brakes, a leak in the brake system circuit, or damage to the brake cylinders and pumps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often should drum brakes be replaced? | Every 2-4 years |
| How long do drum brakes last? | 100,000 to 150,000 miles |
| What are the signs that drum brakes need replacing? | Vibration or noise when braking, vehicle takes a long time to stop, brake pedal needs to be pressed very hard |
| What are the reasons drum brakes need replacing? | Deterioration of brake fluid, air in the drum brakes, leakage in the brake system circuit, damaged brake cylinders and pumps |
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What You'll Learn
How to know when to replace drum brakes
Brake drums are built to last 100,000 to 150,000 miles and are easy to maintain. However, the parts inside the drum need to be inspected and serviced more frequently.
One way to check if your drum brakes need replacing is to have them measured with a micrometer to check for thickness and then compare to its specifications. However, most people just eyeball it and if there are no cracks, visible signs of damage or the pedal doesn't pulsate when the brakes are applied, they are probably fine.
If you have a pickup with drum brakes and they are completely down to the shoe, you may need to replace them. However, one user on Reddit said that a shop told them to replace them every time, but their feeling was that you should only replace them if there is an obvious chunk missing or something similar.
One person with a 2003 Honda Pilot was told by their mechanic that the rear brakes would have to be replaced at the next oil change, or 230,000 miles.
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How often to replace drum brakes
Brake drums are built to last 100,000 to 150,000 miles and are easy to maintain. However, the parts inside the drum need to be inspected and serviced more frequently.
Drum brakes are uncommon nowadays, making servicing difficult because of unfamiliarity. It is recommended to have the thickness of the drum measured with a micrometer and then compared to its specifications. However, most people just eyeball it and, if there are no cracks, visible signs of damage, or pulsation of the pedal when the brakes are applied, they leave them alone.
One user on Reddit said that a shop told them to replace the drums every time, but their feeling was that you should only replace them if there is an obvious chunk missing or some other form of damage.
Another user on a car maintenance forum said that they were told by their mechanic that the rear brakes on their 2003 Honda Pilot would have to be replaced at the next oil change, or 230,000 miles.
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The difference between disc brakes and drum brakes
Brake drums are built to last 100,000 to 150,000 miles and are easy to maintain. However, the parts inside the drum need to be inspected and serviced more frequently. The right way to check if they need to be replaced is to measure them with a micrometer to check for thickness and then compare to their specifications. If there is no obvious damage, you can leave them alone.
Disc brakes are much more common than drum brakes today. Disc brakes are known for their superior performance and provide better heat dissipation, which is crucial during prolonged braking or in situations that require sudden stops.
Disc brakes create friction with a disc-shaped rotor and a pair of brake pads. They consist of a metallic disc or rotor, calipers with pistons, and brake pads. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid is pushed through the brake lines into the caliper, which then squeezes the brake pads against the rotor. This friction slows down the rotor and, consequently, the wheel, bringing your vehicle to a stop.
Drum brakes, on the other hand, feature a drum and brake shoes. The drum is a cylindrical bowl that rotates with the wheel. Inside the drum, there are brake shoes that expand outwards when you press the brake pedal, pressing against the inner surface of the drum to create friction and slow down the vehicle.
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What to do if your vehicle takes a long time to stop
Brake drums are built to last 100,000 to 150,000 miles and are easy to maintain. However, the parts inside the drum need to be inspected and serviced more frequently. It is recommended that you replace the brake fluid every 2-4 years.
If your vehicle takes a long time to stop, it could be due to several reasons, including:
- Deterioration of the brake fluid
- Air in the drum brakes
- Leakage in the brake system circuit
- Damaged brake cylinders and pumps
- Poor maintenance of the drum brakes
- Poor road conditions, such as wet or icy roads, which can reduce traction and increase braking distance
- Speeding, as the faster you go, the longer it takes to stop
- Your reaction time, which can vary depending on factors such as age, alertness, and distractions
If you notice that your vehicle is taking a long time to stop, it is important to take it to a specialised mechanic workshop to have it checked. In the meantime, you can try to avoid speeding and vary your speed when driving long distances to reduce the risk of hydroplaning, which can occur on wet roads when your vehicle loses contact with the road surface.
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![Power Stop Rear KOE15404DK Stock Replacement Drum and Shoe Kit For Nissan Cube 2009-2014, Nissan Sentra 2007-2012, Nissan Versa 2007-2012 [Model Specific]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71OPos1+oFL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
How to maintain drum brakes
Brake drums are built to last 100,000 to 150,000 miles and are easy to maintain. However, the parts inside the drum need to be inspected and serviced more frequently.
Brake drums use the same hydraulic principles as disc brakes. But instead of a brake caliper squeezing a brake disc, the hydraulic fluid pushes pistons out of a wheel cylinder.
To check if your brake drums need replacing, you can measure them with a micrometer to check for thickness and then compare to its specifications. Alternatively, you can eyeball it and if there are no cracks, visible signs of damage or a pulsating pedal when the brakes are applied, they should be fine.
Some people suggest replacing the drums every time, but others argue that you should only replace them if there is an obvious chunk missing or other damage.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you replace your fuel drum brake every 2-4 years.
If you notice a vibration or noise when braking, this could be a sign that your drum brake is deformed or suffering from irregular wear. You may also need to replace your drum brake if your vehicle takes a long time to stop or you have to press the brake pedal very hard.
Other signs include air in the drum brakes, leakage in the brake system circuit, or damage to the brake cylinders and pumps.
Drum brakes are built to last 100,000 to 150,000 miles and are easier to maintain than disc brakes. Unlike disc brakes, drum brakes do not wear as frequently.
