Rear Brake Drum

As opposed to other aspects of your braking system, you don’t need to replace your brake drums that often. They typically last 150,000 to 200,000 miles, but you may need to replace them sooner if you use harsh braking habits, drive in rough terrain often, and how often you replace your brake pads and shoes. Regular inspections during maintenance can help determine when replacement is necessary.

Driving with damaged rear brake drums can significantly reduce braking performance and increase the risk of brake failure. You may even notice the phenomenon of “brake fade,” where your brakes can’t produce enough friction to stop your vehicle quickly as they can’t dissipate heat. To prevent brake fade, you must inspect your rear brake drums and other aspects of your braking system to diagnose the cause and keep your vehicle safe.

Rear brake drums can wear out due to normal usage, exposure to harsh driving conditions, lack of regular maintenance of other components of your braking system, and contamination from dirt, water, and debris. Over time, the constant friction can lead to thinning and scoring of the drum surface.

Rear brake drums are typically made of cast iron, which is often more durable and conducts heat well. Some high-performance drums may use composite materials to be lighter and offer better heat dissipation.

Rear brake drums use brake shoes that press outward against the drum to create friction, while rear disc brakes use brake pads that clamp onto a rotor. Disc brakes generally offer better performance and heat dissipation, while drum brakes are often more cost-effective, are simpler to maintain, and last longer.

Yes, upgrading from rear drum brakes to rear disc brakes is possible and can improve braking performance. Since it involves changing multiple parts of your braking systems, you’ll need a conversion kit or turn to a professional to install them. However, you can also replace these systems if you have the right tools, kits, and experience.

At Advance Auto, we sell individual brake drums ranging from $14 to $250, but we recommend replacing your drums in pairs to optimize your braking performance and prevent undue wear on other components of your braking system.

To replace the brake drums, make the vehicle safe by working in a secure area away from incoming traffic, and use jack stands and a lift to raise the vehicle. Then, remove the drums by unscrewing all the bolts and screws and the rubber access port on the backing plate. Then, remove the brake shoes and the brake retainer cable clip. You can then clean these parts, install the new drum, and then place the wheel and tire back on.

To extend the lifespan of your rear brake drums, practice gentle braking, avoid sudden stops, and follow a regular maintenance schedule for your brake pads and shoes. Keeping the braking system clean and inspecting components for wear can also help prolong their life.