What does the parking brake shoe / pads do?

The parking brake shoe or pad is an important component that holds your vehicle in place when the parking brake (also known as a hand brake or foot brake) is engaged. The location of the parking brake shoe or pad varies depending on the type of braking system your car uses.

Newer vehicles (approximately 1999 onwards)

For cars with disc rotor-based braking systems (approximately 1999-onwards), the parking brake pad is located next to the rear brake rotors. When the parking brake is engaged, the pads clamp onto the rear disc rotor, stopping the vehicle from moving.

Older vehicles (approximately before 1999)

For cars with drum-based braking systems (approximately older than 1999), the brake shoe is located inside the rear brake drum and also acts as the brake shoe for your vehicle’s primary brakes.

 

Causes of a failing parking brake shoe:

Over time, the parking brake shoe / pad will become worn, losing lining thickness. As it loses thickness, it will begin to not function as effectively as it used to.

Debris and contaminants – can also find their way into your parking brake shoe, limiting its clamping power. Sometimes in this case, a simple clean and adjustment will make the parking brake shoe work correctly again.

Seized or hand / foot / parking brake cable – if the hand / foot / parking brake cable becomes seized or partially seized it will cause the brake shoes or pads to rub against the drum or disc rotor. This will quickly destroy the brake linings and other brake system related parts due to heat and friction.

Driving with the hand / foot / parking brake on – every time you drive with the hand / foot / parking brake on the brake pads or shoes are forced to endure massive levels of friction which wears there brake linings off and produces massive amounts of heat, which damages many brake system components.

Symptoms of a damaged parking / foot / hand brake shoe:

Parking brake becomes stuck – The parking brake may become stuck or jammed on. Sometimes you will hear a loud “bang” after you disengage the parking / foot / handbrake and try to drive off. This can be the brake shoes / pads being forced to released their clamp on the brake drum or disc rotor

Reduced parking brake effectiveness – Your vehicle may still roll on hills even when the parking brake is engaged. This is dangerous and can cause accidents.

Parking brake stops working altogether – If the clamping action isn’t holding onto the disc rotor or brake drum, engaging the parking brake won’t have any effect.


 

Parking brake shoe repair & replacement in Hamilton

Are you having problems with your hand / foot / parking brake shoes / pad system? If so, we can help!

At Grimmer Motors, our trusted, experienced and qualified mechanics can examine your hand / foot / parking brake shoes / pads, determining whether they need a clean, adjustment or a replacement. We can then provide you with a repair that you can count on. For hand / foot / parking brake shoes / pad repairs in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!

 

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