How can the emergency brake shoes get worn?

[bentley]

I’m having some brake work done and the mechanic told me that the emergency brake shoes are completely worn down to the nubs. I didn’t believe it till I saw it for myself. So the question is how did they become worn if I hardly ever use them? I’ve used it only a few times in 5 years. Is there another problem that I should be looking at that caused this?
And if I don’t replace them is that going to cause any problems? I don’t really have the money to replace them now.

I know they weren’t stuck in place because I tested them before I brought it to the shop and they engaged and stopped the car and released without any problems. Any ideas???

 

[Alec]

First thing,
even in an auto use the parking brake often to keep all the parts properly adjusted and lubricated.

That being said, they still wear over time, especially if you drive with it on accidentally It only takes a few times of that to wear them down.

Or do you valet often at the same place? Maybe that driver was doing something funky?

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

If they were adjusted too tight, then they could have been rubbing the inside of the drums while moving, and wearing down. Just a thought.

 

[alphabets13]

i had the same thing happen to me when i got my brakes done. the mechanic said they were worn right down to the hubs. and exactly as Alec (and my mechanic) said, use the e-brake often to keep everything lubed and working right. so i use mine like everyday.

 

[sunbum]

Indeed Bentley. Sadly, I must echo Alec and alphabet13... I too have no E-brake either due to that, but prob should look at replacing it.

How much was any of yours to replace?? I guess that will determine how soon I get mine done. heh

 

[dogfriend]

Mine fell apart without being used more than a few times a year . My truck is actually on the third set now. I think the lining material they used is susceptable to cracking because I have seen a couple of threads on this and several people have had this problem including myself.

The shoes are about $100 from the dealer, but Robert said he got some from Autozone for much cheaper than that.

rear brakes

Robert's cheap brake shoes

 

[bentley]

Originally posted by sunbum
How much was any of yours to replace?? I guess that will determine how soon I get mine done. heh

The shoes were pretty cheap like $20 bucks at pep boys but the labor is 2 hours so at the going rate of 70 -80 bucks an hour that really hurts the wallet.

And from what i read around here about making this a DIY project i dont think i will want to even attempt it.

 

[explr1]

Originally posted by bentley
but the labor is 2 hours

Two hours? Thats nuts, it took my Ford dealers mechanic like 45 minutes to do rear e-brake shoes and resurface the drums face in the rotors. But as everyone else said, you have to use the e-brake or bad things will happen. I didn't use it for a year. I then used it one time and the left rear shoe didn't release, it froze, but I didn't know it and was riding with it like that for three days before tripping an ABS sensor in the rain, hence the need for the brake job last month.

 

[alphabets13]

i don't think it takes 2 hours. $140-$160 bill would be insane.

 

[Josh]

I know I'm a little late on this one but here goes nothing. Correct me if I'm wrong but the rear brake shoes are not just the E-brake they are also the rear brakes as well. I feel like I'm missing something here. At the top of the brake shoes, you will see a small round cylinder with 2 slotted pins pushing on both shoes. This is for those of you with rear drums. If you were to try and stop with just front brakes, your rear end would try and pass you.

 

[SteveVB]

Originally posted by Josh
Correct me if I'm wrong but the rear brake shoes are not just the E-brake they are also the rear brakes as well. I feel like I'm missing something here.

You need to read the posts carefully and check out the vehicle thats being talked about.
The rear brake systems are different on the 95 and up compared to your 91. Its a disc brake rear with the parking brake being a drum inside the rotor.

 

[Josh]

OK I'm a bone head. I did not know that. Good to know though. Belay my last. Thanks Steve

 

[Majisto]

I use mine everyday because I park on a hill. I never park with the truck resting on the transmission. Let the brake take the weight.

I have never had a problem with my e-brake since I use it everyday. In fact, this is what I do when I park every time:

1: Go into neutral
2: Apply parking brake
3: Release main brakes
4: Shift into Park
5: Turn off motor
6: Remind myself that brakes are cheaper than transmissions and that I did the right thing.

 

[MonaLeMoo]

What does this mean?

Okay correct me if I am wrong, but isnt the emergency brake attached tot he rear brakes somehow? What kind of sound should it make then the E brake is worn down?

I drove about 2 hours on a freeway with my e brake on when I got it a year ago...and now when it gets hot..they screech REALLY badly. Im getting the rear brakes done on Friday..and I thought that would fix the problem... Is that right??