difference of high vs low cost brake linings - TruckersReport.com

Most of the time the cost difference between brake linings on the same style shoe is due to the weight rating of the axle braking capacity.

The cheaper shoes will have a weight rating of 20,000 Lbs. The higher price shoes will usually have a weight capacity of 23,000 Lbs. The higher weight capacity will stop the truck faster with less applied air pressure to the braking system, but will also have a higher coefficient of friction. The higher friction capacity of the 23,000 lb shoes will wear the brake drums faster and usually means that you'll have to purchase new drums at the next brake job. I always run the 23,000 Lb brake shoe for the fact that I can stop in a shorter distance than I can with the 20,000 Lb shoes in an emergency situation. You also don't want to mix and match these shoes on the same axle...........you really don't want to mix and match them on the same truck in my opinion. The 20,000 lb shoes can be found easily on the road if you have a break down and need new shoes quickly. Most on road/on call service repair shops won't carry the 23,000 lb shoes.

There's a trade off. With better linings come increased drum wear. Something has to wear when you are dealing with friction. But the ability to handle heat is better, thus reducing glazing and fade and increased effectiveness.

According to the NHTSA and their tests, OE (original equipment) linings will out perform AM (after market) significantly.
Maintenance issues play a big role on how long they will last too. Not properly adjusted or a rough drum will wear them out quicker.

Does it say Made in China on the box?

They definitely stop faster and since I usually replace the drums anyway the added wear isn't a big deal. You can tell the difference immediately, they grab hard. But like Mr.Haney said I wouldn't mix and match, I did by accident. Put the better shoes (grade 5's i believe) on one side of an axle and abex on the rest of the trailer. The wheels with the better shoes would lock up.

If you want to do some reading this is kind of interesting. It's an "S-Cam Brake Effectiveness Comparison
Using Two Fixtures and Two Lining Types on a Single Inertia Dynamometer"

...and if the cheap shoes had enough friction to lock the brakes how exactly would more expensive shoes have helped?

Replacing the drum brakes on your car or truck is a great way to get started in the world of automotive DIY.

Please visit our website for more information on this topic.

Why drum brakes?

The drum brake has been around pretty much since cars were invented, and it continues to be used (albeit not as much) because it's cheaper to produce than disc brakes. This is partly because there are fewer components involved in a drum brake, and the parking brake can be located inside the drum. A rear disc parking brake entails the use of many more parts.

BWHY Product Page

Drum brake advantages

Brake shoes today are still being used. Here are some advantages that drum brakes have over disc brakes:

For more Truck Brake Shoesinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

• Drum brakes can provide more braking force than an equal diameter disc brake.
• Drum brakes last longer because drum brakes have increased friction contact area than a disc.
• Drum brakes are cheaper to manufacture than disc brakes.
• Rear drum brakes generate lower heat.
• Wheel cylinders are simpler to recondition than with disc brake calipers.
• Brake shoes can be remanufactured for future use.
• Drums have slightly lower frequency of maintenance due to better corrosion resistance.

Drum brake disadvantages