How Much Does A Brake Drum Replacement Cost in the UK?

Brake drums are round metal discs which are placed between the wheels and the brake shoes to help control the speed and stopping of a car. While modern cars have replaced the brake drum with discs, it is still found in some older model cars, small cars, and commercial vehicles. The brake drums also help dissipate heat and allow for efficient cooling of the entire system. Brake drums are typically made from cast iron and require regular maintenance to ensure they are in proper working condition.

Additionally, drum brakes are typically cheaper to replace due to the lack of complex parts and systems needed for their installation.

How much does it cost to replace brake drums?

The average cost of replacing brake drums is £220, with prices ranging from £160 and £450. The exact price of the brake drums replacement depends largely on your car and the parts recommended by the manufacturer.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of a brake drum replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of a brake drum replacement.

Average cost of brake drum replacement by location

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for brake drums replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for brake drums repairs and replacements and part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for a brake drums replacement for your car.

Average cost of brake drum replacement by manufacturer

Signs your brake drums need to be replaced

• Unusual noises when braking
• Car pulls to one side when braking
• Poor braking performance
• Brake pedal vibrating
• Visual damage such as cracks or scoring
• Uneven wear
• Excessive corrosion
  
  

Unusual Noises

If you're hearing loud grinding, rattling, scraping or squeaking noises when braking, it could indicate that your brake drums need to be replaced.

Pulling To One Side

If your car pulls to one side when you brake, it could indicate that the drums have worn out excessively. This is sometimes accompanied by uneven tyre wear which is a further indication that they need to be replaced.

Vibrating brake pedal

A fairly early warning sign of a brake drum issue, if you notice the brake pedal is vibrating then it’s best to get the brake drums inspected as soon as possible.

Poor Braking or parking brake performance

If you notice a decrease in braking and parking brake performance or responsiveness, it could either be the brake drums (or the brake discs in some vehicles) that are failing.

Frequently asked questions about brake drums replacement cost

Are brake drums the same as brake discs?

No, brake drums and brake discs are different. Brake drums are typically found on the rear of older vehicles, small cars or some types of heavy-duty vehicles. They consist of a round, cylindrical shape that rotates with the wheel, and the brake shoes press against the inside of the drum to slow the vehicle down.

Brake discs, on the other hand, are typically found on newer vehicles. As the wheel rotates, a flat circular brake disc is clamped by the brake pads, thereby slowing the vehicle down. Disc brakes are generally considered to be more effective at slowing a vehicle than drum brakes, as well as less susceptible to overheating.

Are brake drums cheaper to replace?

In some cases, brake drums may be cheaper to replace than brake discs as they are cheaper to manufacture and install but this is very much dependent on the make and model of the vehicle. Brake discs are usually more expensive due to the superior technology used to manufacture them.

Do I need to replace brake drums or just brake shoes?

Generally speaking, it is highly recommended that you replace both at the same time, however, brake drums can last a couple of shoe changes so it really depends on the condition of the brake drums when deciding whether you want to replace both at the same time.

Can I just replace one brake drum?

Yes, you can replace one brake drum at a time. However, it is recommended that both brake drums be replaced at the same time to ensure even braking. Additionally, if the condition of one brake drum is worn or damaged, replacing only one may result in poor and unbalanced braking performance. Most mechanics will replace brake drums in pairs and it’s more cost-effective to do so in the long run.

How long does a brake drum replacement take?

A brake drum replacement generally takes about 2 hours to complete. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

Can I carry out a brake drum replacement myself?

The braking system is one of the most critical safety components of a car and mechanics are trained to diagnose and carry out repairs by following the required procedures. Brake drum replacement requires advanced auto repair knowledge but special tools and equipment.
Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a brake drum replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

What else could be the problem if my brake drum isn’t broken?

If you’re experiencing braking issues and it’s not the brake drum that is the issue, then it could be one of the many parts of the braking system including brake fluid contamination, damaged brake lines, worn out brake shoes, brake caliper or problems with the ABS. It’s best to get a qualified mechanic to carry out a brake inspection to diagnose the exact cause of the problem.

What happens during a brake drum replacement?

• Mechanic will remove the brake drum and inspect the brake shoes, wheel cylinder and actuating mechanism.
• Mechanic will establish if the brake drum's thickness is within the required tolerances.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the brake drum along with a new set of brake shoes.
• Mechanic will advise if other parts of the braking system need replacing too.
• Mechanic will test drive the car and inspect the brake system again.
• Mechanic will make adjustments if necessary.