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 Replacement Parts Catalog
OEM Replacement Parts Catalog
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What is a brake shoe? Used in drum brakes, the brake shoe is like a pad or piece of material that pushes against the drake drum to slow down and stop the car. It is called a shoe because of how it functions. When the brake pedal is suppressed, the master cylinder pushes hydraulic fluid down through the brake lines, the fluid triggers the brake shoe to push outward against the inside rim of the drum, and like a human shoe pinning a loose dog leash to the ground, it slows and stops the vehicle.
Does everyone have drum brakes and brake shoes? Typically, cars will not have drum brakes with brake shoes. They are found as the primary breaking system for all four wheels on older vehicles from the 1950's to 1960's and earlier. After the 1960's, disc brakes were more widely available for use on the front brakes with drums remaining in the rear. Then, as time went on and we entered into the 1980's, the only vehicles that had drum brakes were trucks. Now, brake drums are rare in any kind of production vehicle and would only be found in some truck applications.
How do I know they are going bad? Most brake assembles have properly functioning indicators. These indicators will start to make a loud squealing or screeching sound when the material on the shoe wears down to a certain point. You will hear this noise every time you apply the brakes and it will get louder until the shoe is replaced. If the sensor isn't functioning, you'll notice wear by having brakes that heat up easily, don't stop the car effectively, create chatter when applying brake pressure, release a foul odor, or even cause you to lose pressure in the brake pedal.
Are there different kinds of brake shoes? Brake shoes are not as common as before, but you can still choose from a small variety of options. There is the typical OEM or after market replacement made to factory specifications, and there are premium grade shoes that are made of thicker, longer lasting material for better response, less lock up, and longer life. You can also purchase shoes in different sizes to accommodate larger brake drums that were purchased for better performance.
Can I replace the brake shoes myself? Brake shoes can be replaced at home, but it needs to be done with caution. The wheel will need to be removed, there may be a cover or the actual break drum which needs to be removed as well, and then the brake shoe can be disconnected and replaced. But you will most likely have to bleed your brakes to ensure there is no air in the lines. This is not required in all applications, so be sure to consult your owner's manual.
Latest Buick Brake Shoe Set Applications
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PBR Brake Shoe Set - 04 Buick Century Limited V6 3.1 Rear Brake Shoe Set |
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PBR Brake Shoe Set - 04 Buick Century Custom V6 3.1 V6 3.1 Rear Brake Shoe Set |
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PBR Brake Shoe Set 91 - Buick LeSabre V6 3.8 V6 3.8 Rear 8.86 x 1.77 Brake Shoe Set |
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PBR Brake Shoe Set 85-87 Buick Regal Grand National Turbo V6 3.8 Rear Brake Shoe Set |
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PBR Brake Shoe Set - 79 Buick Skylark Custom Rear Brake Shoe Set |
Some Buick Brake Shoe Set Applications (View Full Catalog Above)
| Buick Century Custom V6 3.1 |
Buick Century Limited |
Buick LeSabre V6 3.8 |
| Buick Regal Grand National Turbo |
Buick Skylark Custom |
More Applications (View Full Catalog Above)
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