Brake Drum Replacement Cost Estimate
Concerned about paying too much for your brake drum replacement? MyMechanic's can provide you with a fair cost estimate for this service.
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How much does it cost to replace a brake drum?
If there's anything else you'd like to discuss or if you need further assistance, feel free to let me know!
How long does it take to replace a brake drum?
A certified mechanic typically spends about 2.4 hours replacing your brake drum. They begin by assessing whether replacement or resurfacing is necessary before proceeding with the removal and installation of a new drum.
How did we estimate these prices?
My Mechanic experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all states in Malaysia, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified MyMechanic in Malaysia, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair.
What parts do I need for a brake drum replacement and how much do they cost?
For a brake drum replacement, you'll generally need a new brake drum along with a few basic tools and a brake adjuster tool.
The brake drum is a cylindrical component situated at the top inside of a vehicle's wheel. It encompasses a set of brake shoes coated in friction-generating material. Functioning akin to brake pads and rotors, drum brakes operate by pressing brake shoes against the brake drum to create friction, thereby slowing down the car.
When considering a brake drum replacement, price often plays a significant role in choosing the parts. Aftermarket brake drums may provide a more budget-friendly option, while OEM parts are engineered to original equipment specifications with superior materials for longevity.
However, OEM brake drums aren't always essential. Aftermarket components, particularly those related to the brake system, are crafted to meet stringent standards. They typically fit well and function similarly to original parts, although they may utilize different materials.
If cost savings is your priority, aftermarket brake drums are a viable choice.
You can find a reliable place to get your brake drum replaced by using MyMechanic This service allows you to compare cost estimates from over 2,500 reputable repair shopss in Malaysia.
MyMechanic uses actual hourly labor rates to provide fair price comparisons and informs you about any diagnostic fees. Additionally, you can read real customer reviews to help you make an informed decision about the best service for your needs.
Where can I get my Brake drum replaced?
You can have your Brake drum replaced at various repair shops, and if you're unsure where to go, MyMechanic's can help. It connects you with over 2,500 trusted repair shops across the Malaysia. Using real hourly labor rates, MyMechanic compares fair price estimates* from these shops in your vicinity. You can also read real customer reviews and find out whether the service cost includes a diagnostic fee or if it's billed separately
How did we vet these shops?
My Mechanic experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the Malaysia. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually.
How will a mechanic replace my brake drums?
When a mechanic replaces your brake drums, they have two options: replacing the drum entirely or resurfacing it. Regardless of the approach chosen, the process involves several steps:
- Lift the vehicle and secure it with steel jack stands.
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
- Remove the brake drum—note that a rusted drum may necessitate using a brake drum puller.
- Measure the interior diameter of the machined surface in the drum.
- Replace any worn parts—if the drum is replaced or resurfaced, the brake shoes should also be replaced.
- Adjust the shoes and install the drum.
- Reinstall the wheel and tire assembly, torquing them in the proper sequence.
- Conduct a road test to evaluate the functionality of the brakes.
What happens if I don’t replace my brake drums?
Brake drums are critical components within the braking system. Neglecting to replace worn or faulty brake drums can pose significant dangers, compromising the full functionality of the brakes and potentially endangering both you and other vehicles on the road.
Failure to replace worn or damaged brake drums can cause problems with other parts of the braking system, such as potential leaks in the wheel cylinders. However, the primary concern is when the brake drums become excessively worn, resulting in an inability to generate the required force for stopping the vehicle effectively.
What is a brake drum replacement?
During a brake drum replacement service, the mechanic will evaluate the condition of the vehicle's brake drums to determine if replacement is necessary. Brake drums are essential for the braking system to operate effectively, as they are responsible for slowing down the car.
The brake drums encompass all rear brake components, including the wheel cylinder, springs and clips, brake shoes, and the parking brake mechanism.
A cracked or warped brake drum can significantly impact your vehicle's braking performance, posing a safety concern while driving.
How do I know if my brake drums need replacing?
To determine if your brake drums require replacement, watch for these signs:
- Decreased braking effectiveness
- Pulsating brakes
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Vibration, grinding, or scraping noises
- Low brake pedal
- Need for brake shoe replacement
- Loss of parking brake function
- Spongy or soft brake pedal
How often should brake drums be replaced?
Brake drums are designed to endure and are primarily engaged when your car's brakes are activated. Although they produce slightly more friction than disc brakes, brake drums are durable and typically have a lifespan of 150,000 to 200,000 miles before replacement is recommended. However, premature wear can occur if internal components are worn out, causing increased stress on the drum.
Typically, brake drums are replaced in pairs, even if only one shows signs of wear or damage. During this replacement process, other components of the brake system are examined to verify that the drum hasn't caused damage to other parts
Can I replace my brake drums myself?
If you're comfortable with automotive tasks and enjoy DIY projects, replacing your brake drums at home can be done with basic tools. However, for those without much automotive knowledge or familiarity with the brake system, it's advisable to seek professional assistance for this task.
FAQs
The average cost to replace brake drums involves labor and parts, typically including a complete replacement. Labor costs can vary but usually range around
Brake drums are built to last, often reaching up to 200,000 miles before needing replacement. If you possess automotive expertise and have the necessary tools and supplies, replacing them can be a straightforward task.
Absolutely, when it comes to replacing brake drums, it's essential to replace both sides of the axle. This helps avoid potential issues within the braking system. For instance, if one of the rear drum brakes develops a crack, replacing both sides is necessary to maintain optimal braking performance.
To prolong the lifespan of your brake drums and prevent premature replacement, it's crucial to keep them clean and free from rust. The friction surface of the brake drum should remain smooth without any scratches or cracks to ensure efficient braking for your vehicle.
Here are some common issues associated with brake drums:
- Scratched drums: Result in a vibrating brake pedal.
- Out-of-round drums: Cause brake pedal vibration and decreased braking system performance.
- Blue drums:Occur when overheating, leading to potential warping or cracking.
- Martensite spotted drums:Develop small cracks due to extreme heat, leading to a vibrating brake pedal.
- Polished drums:Can occur when the drum gets excessively hot, causing the lining to glaze and reduce friction, resulting in inadequate braking force.
