Ok, I just replaced my front brake pads and they were nearly gone and to the wear indocator. Should I assume my rear shoes are the same way even though they still sound fine? Is there a wear indicator for the rear shoes as well? The pads were super easy- are drums brakes more complicated to work on? Thanks guys.

 

Don't assume they're worn the same amount. Front does most of the braking, and the rears are smaller to account for this. But not perfectly. Too many things influence front-to-back brake distribution, so either one can wear out faster.

Drum brakes are pretty easy, the drum pulls straight off, leaving the wheel studs behind in the hub. Very much like the rotor pulls off. Sometimes it's awkward un-clipping the brake shoe retainers, and then there's the springs... But it's all right there for you to see once the drum is off.

 

Is there a wear indicator on the shoes?...if so I'll just wait for that. From what I can gather the only way to tell if new shoes are needed is to pull of the drum.

 

there is NO wear indicator on the shoes.. you need to remove the drums and visually take a look at them,

 

I think sometimes there's a little window in the brake backing plate. Pull out a rubber plug & use a mirror to look inside a dark tiny hole. I thought it was much easier to take off the drums.

 

if you do decide to replace your rear shoes do one side at a time so that you can reference and not get confused... the only thing that i see differentin servicingfrom disc and drum ispain... drum brakes can make your hands hurt like a 90 year old arthritic man[&:] because of all the smalll springs and clips...