Drum Brake Service and Repair in Denver, CO
Keeping your vehicle’s brakes reliable starts with regular maintenance of your brake system. Many vehicle manufacturers use drum brakes on the rear axle. At South Denver Automotive, our technicians provide your vehicle with brake care that will keep your drum brakes performing at their best. We inspect brake shoes, brake drums, wheel cylinders, and all associated hardware to identify wear, noise, or loss of stopping power. After service, your brakes operate smoothly and predictably, giving you confidence on highways, going over the mountains or in city traffic. We service all major brands, both domestic, like Chevy or GMC, as well as foreign including Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, which still use drum brakes in some current models (and a lot of older models).
Drum brakes require consistent maintenance because friction, heat, and brake dust gradually wear them down. We recommend yearly brake inspections, and brake fluid replacement every 2 years or 20,000 miles. Brake shoe replacements are also to be expected. The exact time interval may differ depending on driving conditions, loads, and road types. Obviously frequent mountain driving or heavy daily traffic will wear down brake shoes much faster than cursing on the flatlands. Bonded shoes should be replaced when the lining reaches 1/16 inch, while riveted shoes replacement is recommended when the lining is within 1/32 inch of the rivet heads. Naturally, our nationally ASE-certified technicians will let you know if your vehicle reached this point.
Our drum brake service checks brake shoe thickness, examines brake drum surfaces for scoring or heat damage, inspects wheel cylinders for leaks, and adjusts brake shoe clearance precisely. Vehicles driven in stop-and-go traffic, carrying heavy loads, or frequently making short trips need extra attention to maintain braking performance.
Common Drum Brake Issues and Clues that It’s Time To Check the Brakes:
If brakes wear unevenly or go out of adjustment, your vehicle’s braking performance suffers. Here are a few signs to watch out for:
- Vehicle Pulling to One Side
- Grinding or Scraping Noise During Braking
- Low or Spongy Brake Pedal
- Overheating Rear Wheels are usually accompanied by burning smell, and should not be ignored (drum brakes are used on rear wheels, but any sign of overheating wheels, rear or front, is a serious concern)
- Brake System Warning Light or ABS Warning Light Activation
Since brakes are vital to your safety, any of the above indicators should result in your vehicle visiting a professional auto repair shop. Brake maintenance and repair requires thorough understanding of the modern brakes including the sensors and electronically controlled ABS system, hence our recommendation for a professional brake inspection and professional brake service or repairs.
At South Denver Automotive we offer drum brake inspections, maintenance services and drum brake repairs (when needed). After every brake service and every brake repair we perform a road test to verify smooth braking, proper stopping, and no pull or vibration – under real world conditions. Worn brake shoes, weak return springs, scored drums, or leaking wheel cylinders reduce braking efficiency and increase stopping distances. Professional drum brake service restores shoe-to-drum contact, balances braking forces, and ensures a consistent pedal feel. Professional maintenance and repair prevent overheating, uneven wear, and brake fade during city driving or under heavy loads.
So next time your vehicle exhibits symptoms that indicate that brakes might be a concern, call South Denver Automotive. All repairs performed by our technicians are backed by 4 year / 40,000 mile industry-leading warranty. Call today to make an appointment, alternatively, you could make an appointment on our website.