Rear Drum Brake Shoes: labor quote guide
Typical labor time (approximate)
About 1 to 2.5 hours. Often about 1 to 2.5 hours for a rear axle. Self-adjusting hardware, seized drums and leaking wheel cylinders add time.
Approximate only: a rough general range, not labor-guide data. Times vary widely by vehicle and condition. Check a labor guide for the exact vehicle. How we estimate
The quote buttons open the labor-quote calculator prefilled; "Start an estimate" adds a labor line to the estimate & invoice generator. Add your own rate, parts and tax.
What's involved
- Remove the drums (back off the adjuster if the drum is ridged)
- Inspect the shoes, springs, adjuster, wheel cylinders and backing plates
- Swap one side at a time so the other side stays as a reference, cleaning and lubricating the contact points
- Install the drums, adjust the shoes and parking brake, and road test
General outline only. Follow the service information for the specific vehicle.
What changes the time
- Drums rusted to the hub or worn with a ridge
- Leaking wheel cylinders that need replacing and bleeding
- Seized adjusters and broken springs
- Integrated parking brake cables
Related parts & common add-ons
- Hardware/spring kit
- Wheel cylinders
- Drums (if past the discard diameter)
- Brake fluid bleed
Price parts with the parts markup calculator, and note findings on the inspection checklist.
FAQ
Should I replace the hardware kit every time?
Many techs do, because tired springs and adjusters cause noise and poor adjustment. It's inexpensive compared with a comeback.
Do I need to bleed the brakes?
Only if a wheel cylinder is replaced or the system is opened. Quote the bleed with the wheel cylinders.
Can drums be machined?
Only if they stay within the discard diameter cast on the drum. Otherwise replace them.
More brakes jobs
- Brake Pads and Rotors
- Brake Caliper Replacement
- Brake Fluid Flush
- Brake Master Cylinder Replacement
- Brake Line Repair / Replacement
- ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement
Other systems: Engine, ignition & fuel · Cooling system · Electrical & diagnostics · Suspension & steering · Drivetrain · Heating & AC · Maintenance & tires · All job guides