Are brake pads and shoes the same thing?
Most modern cars these days have either disc brake systems (also known as rotors) or a drum brake system. Disc brakes and brake pads go together whilst brake drum systems use brake shoes to create stopping power. So, the short answer is no – brake pads and brake shoes are not the same thing.
Disc and drum brakes also work quite differently to achieve the same goal, which is to effectively slow down and stop your car. While they both use friction material, each type of braking system uses various components to execute this, which means they aren’t interchangeable either.
If you’re unsure what type of brakes your car has, read on to find out more.
Natrad has a large range of quality Mintex and Nisshinbo brake parts for a wide variety of vehicle types.
What are the different types of brakes?
There are 2 types of brakes typically used in cars today. The first, is disc brakes which are commonly found in modern and high performance vehicles. The second are drum brakes typically found in older cars.
High performance vehicles or sports cars have a disc brake system that often comes with ventilation holes or slots for enhanced heat dissipation. Discs work together with brake pads, which are a part of the caliper assembly.
Secondly, there are drum brakes. These brakes are more outdated and typically can be found in smaller or older cars, or coupled with a pair of disc brakes. For example, a hatchback might have front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Brake shoes are used instead of pads, which sit inside the drum and apply pressure during braking.
While disc brakes are more common, plenty of cars still utilise a mixture of both kinds.
Not sure which type(s) of brakes your car has? Next time you’re heading out for a drive, you can check your wheels. Some cars have complex rim designs which make it hard to see what’s behind, but usually you should be able to view some part of the braking system – whether it be the caliper assembly, disc, or drum.
Disc brakes look like a flat cylindrical disc, hence the name. You may be able to see the caliper assembly attached on the outside (see below for reference).
Drum brakes however, look more like a casing. Inside they hold brake shoes and various other smaller components that help create the friction needed to stop. See below for comparison:
How do braking systems work?
Your vehicle’s braking system makes use of friction and hydraulic pressure in order to stop your wheel spinning and halt your car.
So, how does the system do it? Let’s look at disc brakes as an example.
The overall braking system is made up of various parts aside from the brake disc itself. Parts include:
Brake fluid
Master cylinder
Caliper assembly (multiple components)
Piston
Brake pads (2 per disc)
And brake disc
Brake fluid circulates the system, so when you press the brake pedal – hydraulic pressure is applied. The sequence goes a bit like this:
Press brake pedal
Caliper assembly receives high pressure brake fluid from the master cylinder (hydraulic pressure)
Caliper pushes piston
Piston presses against the brake pads
Brake pads are squeezed against the brake disc
The friction from the brake pads pressing against the disc decelerates the motion and stops your wheel from spinning.
While brake pads press inwards on the brake disc, brake shoes work the opposite way. They sit on the inside of the brake drum (while attached to a backplate assembly).
When hydraulic pressure is applied, they press outwards against the drum to create friction and stop the car.
Troubleshooting brake pads vs brake shoes
Have you heard squealing noises from your brakes recently? You might need new brake pads or shoes. As friction material wears over time, most brake pads and shoes have wear indicators which screech when low. If you’ve heard this sound, replacing brake pads or shoes will help.
Friction material is made to wear so replacing pads and shoes is completely normal. However, it’s important to do so regularly according to your servicing schedule, or you risk getting into dangerous collisions with underperforming brakes.
Think you might need new pads or shoes? Just nip into your nearest Natrad AutoCare where our qualified technicians can inspect, diagnose and replace any system parts.
Our range of industry leading Nisshinbo and Mintex brakes are available from workshops across the country. Find your nearest store here.
When your braking system is working correctly, you probably take it for granted. However, the braking system is one of the most vital parts of your vehicle, and it keeps you and others safe. You need to know enough about your braking system to ensure it is working properly. One fact to fathom is the difference between brake pads and brake shoes. Though they are different, they perform the same task. Read on to find out the difference between brake pads and shoes.
Most modern braking systems contain disc brakes with braking pads. Brake pads are flat pieces of steel with high-friction material like rubber on either side.
On the other hand, a brake shoe is a curved piece of metal that looks like a shoe that is used in brake drum systems. Only one side of the brake shoe is covered in friction material.
One of the primary differences between brake pads and brake shoes is the direction of braking force. Brake shoes stop the car by pushing outwards against the brake drum. Contrarily, brake pads stop the car by pushing inwards against the disc brakes.
Brake pads are placed near a disc called a rotor, whereas brake shoes are inside the brake drum hence the difference in braking force direction.
Another significant difference between brake pads and shoes is the power they need to stop the vehicle. Brake shoes have a larger surface area but have less stopping power. Brake pads on a disc brake system have a lot of stopping power and are the preferred choice for modern brakes. Therefore, brake pads will stop a car sooner and in a shorter distance than brake shoes.
Brake shoes last longer than brake pads because they are located in the back of the car and handle-less force than brake pads in the front wheels. Brake shoes also have protection from dirt, debris, and exposure. Therefore, brake shoes have a longer life expectancy than brake pads.
Contact our auto repair shop today if you need a braking system repair or replacement.