What are Brake Shoes Made of?

Brake shoes play an important role in the brake system of a vehicle. The brake shoes are necessary to manipulate the brake and cause a vehicle to gradually slow down or stop abruptly for an emergency. The materials used to make brake shoes are important to the function of the shoe in relation to the braking system.

History

Brake shoes and pads once were made of materials that contained asbestos. Because asbestos is known to cause cancer and other serious health conditions, manufacturers changed their designs. Some brake shoes and pads now contain traces of copper. Newer brake shoes are made with types of rubber that do not create harmful dusts.

Materials

When a driver presses down on the brake pedal, the brake shoes on opposite tires are pressed down onto the tires to slow down the vehicle. The backing of the brake shoe and the stem and lever that help press the brake shoe against the tire are made of metal. The metal backing of the brake shoe is covered with a rubber padding to produce friction when applied to the tire.

Toxicity

Traces of copper found in the rubber of brake shoes and pads are toxic to aquatic life. Copper traces wear off the brake pads and shoes and end up in waterways, creating a toxic pollutant. The dust created on tires and brake shoes when the pads and shoes wear down contains asbestos dust.

Time Frame

Over time, the brake pads and shoes will wear down. If the metal backing becomes exposed and comes into contact with the tire, the tire may be punctured or worn down. This could result in a gradually flattening tire or a blowout when the brake pedal is pressed for an emergency stop or to simply slow down the vehicle. The period a brake shoe will last depends on how often the car is driven and how the driver treats the brakes of the vehicle. For safety purposes, the brake shoes and pads should be checked regularly for excessive wear.

Maintenance Checks

Worn breaks make an unpleasant sound when the metal is allowed to rub against the tire. Brake systems in modern cars are set up with inspection holes to allow drivers and vehicle owners to easily check the brake shoes for wear. If you are unsure how to check your brakes, you can have a team of professionals at a car-maintenance shop or tire-change center check the brakes for you.