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

Brake shoes and brake pads are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are two very different brake components. Brake shoes are curved metal plates with friction material affixed to the surface that contacts the drum. Brake pads are similar but are used with disc brakes and they have a backing plate. Brake shoes are often found on the rear of small engined cars and pickups.

Brake shoes are an important part of a car's braking system. They are the part of the brake that presses against the drum to create the friction that slows the car down. The shoes are actuated by the wheel cylinder, which pushes the shoes outward against the drum. Over time, the shoes wear down and need to be replaced as soon as possible as they are a safety-critical component of the vehicle.

How much does it cost to replace brake shoes?

The average cost of replacing brake shoes is £130, with prices ranging from £90 and £200. Usually, the front brake pads wear out faster than the rear shoes but it is a good idea to get both inspected as it could be more cost-efficient in the long run to replace all brake shoes and pads of the vehicle. The exact price of the brake shoes 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 shoe 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 shoe replacement.

Average cost of a brake shoe replacement by location

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for brake shoes replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for brake shoes 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 shoes replacement for your car.

Average cost of a brake shoe replacement by manufacturer

Signs your brake shoes need a replacement

• Strange noises when applying the brake
• Issues with hand or parking brake
• Car pulls to the right or left under braking
• Vibration when braking
• Brake warning light on dashboard

Squealing noise from brakes

If you hear a grinding or squealing noise when you apply the brakes, that is an indication that the brake shoes need to be replaced.

Problems with the hand brake

Worn-out brake shoes will not engage the parking brake effectively causing the vehicle to slip or roll. It’s best to get a technician to inspect the braking system as soon as possible.

Brakes feel less reliable or ‘soft’

Brake shoes may need replacing when the brakes start to feel soft or spongy when you press the pedal, or if the pedal sinks to the floor. You may also experience longer stopping distances with bad brake shoes.

Frequently asked questions about brake shoes replacement cost

What happens if you don’t replace brake shoes?

As the brake shoe wears down, it loses its friction material. If brake shoes are worn out, the brake drum will contact the metal shoe, causing a loud screeching or grinding noise. If the shoes wear down beyond acceptable limits, they may no longer touch the drum at all. As a result, your car may have little or no braking power, and stopping distances will increase dramatically making it unsafe to drive your vehicle.

Should I replace all 4 brake shoes at the same time?

Although not mandatory, it is recommended that you should replace all four brake shoes at the same time. This will ensure that your brakes wear out evenly and will prevent your vehicle from pulling to one side when you brake, ensuring optimum braking.

How do I know whether brake shoes or brake drums need replacing?

One way to tell if your brake shoes need replacing is if you hear a screeching sound when you press the brake pedal. If the brake shoes are wearing down, they will not be able to grip the brake drums properly, causing the screeching sound. Another way to tell if the brake shoes need replacing is if the brake pedal feels spongy when you press it. This is usually an indication that the brake shoes are not gripping the brake drums properly.

On the other hand, the most common sign that brake drums need replacing is if the vehicle is vibrating when braking. This is caused by the drums being warped and not making full contact with the brake shoes.

The easiest way to tell if your brake shoes or brake drums need replacing is to have a certified mechanic, like one from ClickMechanic, inspect your brake system for you and recommend the best course of action.

How long does a brake shoe replacement take?

A brake shoes replacement typically takes 1 hour, but can take less or more time. Ultimately, the time that the job will take depends on a range of factors. For example, 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 shoe replacement myself?

Brake jobs require automotive knowledge and specialised equipment. Braking components are one of the most important safety aspects of a vehicle and the job should be done by a professional mechanic.

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a brake shoe 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 upfront.

What else could be the problem if my brake shoe isn’t faulty?

• Brake fluid - inadequate brake fluid or contaminated fluid can cause braking issues. A brake fluid replacement will usually fix this.
• Other braking components - braking issues or a “spongy” brake can be caused by other components of the braking system such as caliper, brake drum or ABS.
• Faulty brake lines - damaged brake lines can lead to loss of hydraulic pressure which leads to loss of braking power
• Wheel alignment or uneven tyre wear - if you find that the car is pulling to one side and it’s not the brake shoe at fault then it could point to unevenly worn out tyres or suspension and alignment issues.

What happens during a brake shoe replacement?

• Mechanic will inspect the brakes and establish if there are any issues with one or several of the brake shoes.
• Mechanic will establish if the brake shoe's thickness is within the required tolerances.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the brake shoes.
• The mechanic will advise if other parts of the brake system need replacing too.
• Mechanic will test drive the car and inspect the brake system to ensure it is in perfect working order.
• Mechanic will make adjustments if necessary.