Brake Pads vs. Brake Shoes: What's the Difference?

What They are

Brake pads are critical parts of disc brake systems. More specifically, they're textured plates mounted atop brake calipers.

Brake shoes, however, are one of several crucial parts of drum brake systems. They're crescent-shaped welded steel components with similarly coarse surface materials.

What They Do

They both act as friction-generators. Brake pads are points of contact between the calipers and brake rotors. Brake shoes, on the other hand, contact their respective drums. The resistance created, a vehicle uses to slow its wheels down, eventually stopping its tires from turning.

What Types There are

There are four kinds of brake pads. Organic brake pads are one of them. They're ideal for normal, everyday driving, on average roads and in typical weather. Moreover, they're dependable, easier on rotors, they don't produce much dust, and best of all, they're relatively inexpensive.

Ceramic brake pads are another. They're made for more diverse weather and quieter than other kinds, and their dust doesn't stick to wheels as badly. Yet another type, metallic/semi-metallic brake pads, are more durable, resisting both heat and brake fade, and they're firmer-feeling than some others.

Carbon-fiber brake pads are some of the best you can get, offering some of the best stopping power you can get. They're highly resilient and superior performers at higher temperatures.

Brake shoes, though, can vary according to drum brake type. The everyday kind, for instance, press the inner surface of a drum. Clasp brakes, however, press the shoes to the drum's outside. Pinch brakes use a pair of shoes to clamp the drum, while band brakes wrap a flexible belt around the drum instead of shoes per se.

When You Should Change Them

This depends on how you drive and where you drive most often. Otherwise, replace brake pads every 40,000 to 50,000 miles or so. Change brake shoes, however, at least once a year, or every 50,000 miles or so. There are symptoms in both cases that'll tell you it's time.

The Signs They're Going Bad

In the case of brake pads, they include:

• Warning lights on the dash
• Worn-out or damaged pad surfaces
• Whining or vibrating brakes
• Grinding noises (indicating warped and/or damaged rotors)
• Taking longer to slow down and stop

In the case of brake shoes, they include:

• Odd noises when pressing and releasing the brake pedal, e.g., scrapes and squeaks
• Less responsive brakes -- taking longer to stop, especially
• A parking brake that's loose or isn't working the way it should

See any of these, and you should run an inspection to figure out whether any old pads need swapping out for new ones. Before ordering them, though, be sure you're getting the genuine article.

Why You Should Buy Genuine OEM

Those Mopar manufactures are guaranteed compatible with the make and model you love to drive. That's a promise that the aftermarket for brake pads can't always make.

Where to Order Replacement Mopar Brake Pads

From the online catalog here at our auto parts store. Finding them is easy -- just browse by brand, model, and model year. Buy them now, and we'll ship quickly, delivering them to your door as soon as possible.