Hi,

I replaced my front brakes and they were really low, so I thought I'd better check the shoes in my rear drum brakes (this is on a '95 Civic DX sedan with a manual transmission). The shoes were about 3/32 of an inch, but one of the shoes was only 2/32" in the middle. My Haynes said that 3/32 is the minimum thickness, so I figured I'd better replace them this weekend. I picked up a set at my local dealer's shop. Anyway, they are brand new and the thickness is 4/32". I'm wondering if that is standard for most manufacturers or does the thickness vary. I'm wondering, because it seems to me that 4/32 is really close to the 3/32 minimum thickness allowed already. Hopefully you understand my confusion here. I mean, if there is variation, then how do you know when to change them? Hope you guys can help me out again in my profound newbiness.
Oh, yeah, my other question was if the 4 shoes are interchangeable (they seem to be) or if I need to be concerned with which one goes on which wheel or on which side? Thanks,

Andy

 

They're not very thick to begin with. They do last a long time because the front brakes do most of the work to stop the car.

I think that all 4 shoes are the same, but examine them closely. (If you have a case where they are not all the same, don't trust the parts store to give you a proper set either).

Also on something complicated like the drum brakes, it's good to take some pictures of how it goes together before you take it apart.

 

Really, that's amazing that there is only 1/32" worth of wear on the shoes before they get replaced! Are they made of a different composite than the front pads as well, that allows them to wear more slowly?

Andy