How many miles before changing brake shoes?

[2civics]

I have a 2009 Civic lx with drum breaks. It has 75k miles and the drums haven't been touched less an inspection many years ago. My question is when is it about time to think about replacing drum shoes? My car drives and brakes great. Just looking for preventative advice. Should I take them in for a free inspection? Can I expect to go 100k miles or am I, though easy on my brakes as I am, living on borrowed time already?
Thanks.

 

[SatinSilver]

They can go a long time. I had a 99 Accord that had the original drum brakes when I sold it 10 yrs later with 167k miles. Prob 50/50 hwy/city miles. They do need regular servicing. The dealer would clean, lube and adjust them every 30k miles for around $40. So don't forget that service.

Have a nice day!

 

[2civics]

Clean and lube huh?

 

[53' Stude]

Clean, lubricate where adjusters and check their adjustment yes. Local place where I take my car to be inspected does this free for patrons.

 

[Blueskies123]

I have 120,000 on my Avalon and every time I take it in for a tire rotation they say they are fine. I think Honda and Toyota use better brakes or maybe their drivers are just easier on their cars.

 

[53' Stude]

Wonder if they measure the 32'nds that they are or just say "they're fine"

 

[SatinSilver]

Originally Posted By: 2civics
Clean and lube huh?


I had the Matrix rear drums done at 90k miles and they were full of brake dust according to the shop. The drum was ready to fall off after the wheel was removed because it was loaded with stuff. Every 30k is ideal but I put it off a bit longer. After they're adjusted the emergency brake engagement will be much tighter. It will engage after a few clicks.

While you're at it you may want them to clean the throttle body for around $40 as well and replace the pcv valve with an oem unit. The part cost about $12 plus installation. Usually the internal spring breaks around 60k miles. Even if it still rattles, replace it. Hopefully, the transmission has seen a drain and fill. Another thing to do. With the Accord I would piece meal all the work instead of the expensive maintenance packages they sell over the various intervals.

 

[JC1]

I have a 97 civic with rear drums. The shoes were finally changed this year with 180,xxx Kms(111,xxx miles) on them.

Once a year I would remove the rear drums and clean the brake dust by dumping the powder from the drum and spraying down the shoes and drums with brake cleaner.

The shoes still had material in them (probably could have gone another 10k Kms), but I had the shoes I bought a fear years ago sitting in my garage, so o figured i could change them out.

 

[Mr Nice]

We had a 1998 Civic EX with 220K miles on original drums and shoes, but 80% highway miles.

 

[crazyoildude]

Rear braKes can lat a long long time My oms 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis has 55,000 miles and they still look great but she drives like an old lady most of the time lol...

 

[2civics]

Called Honda about pcv valve. They want $30 for this part. Does it need to be OEM?

 

[2010Civic]

I wouldn't worry about them. 75,000 miles is nothing for rear drums.

 

[2civics]

Thanks.

Pcv valve at AutoZone is $20 less.

 

[Rolla07]

Im still on original drums but probably should check them..checked them a few years back and they were fine..granted i barely drove much in past few years.

 

[SatinSilver]

Originally Posted By: 2civics
Called Honda about pcv valve. They want $30 for this part. Does it need to be OEM?


Yes, otherwise leave it alone. There can be fitment issues and cheap, thin internal springs. Even if they fit ok you would want to replace every 30k with aftermarket ones. While the oem ones can go for 60k miles. Amazon has it for $22. LINK

College Hills Honda has it for $18.90 so see if your dealer will price match. Link2

 

[2civics]

Thanks SS. I thought that was a bit steep.

 

[SatinSilver]

You're welcome. Bernardi has it for $16.38 for a better price match. PCV.

Not sure if any of these discount codes will work?

 

[gathermewool]

120k and haven't been checked once. I've been too busy and I'm loathe to turn into someone who takes it in. I'll find a few hours sometime soon.

 

[NibbanaBanana]

I scrapped out three Geo Metros with 140K, 185K and 186K miles, all with original rear drum brakes. My Chevy Aveo has 206K miles and original rear drum brakes. Mostly highway miles on all of them though. Many front brake pads on all of them.

 

[Kuato]

Had one vehicle go 150k on the original front pads.

Had another go 60k.

Depends on where and how you drive, and the weight of the vehicle. Inspect each tire rotation...