New Rear Drum and Shoes - What brand to buy?

My rear drums are quite rusty and in need of replacement. I'd also venture I need new shoes too. I don't have any problems with braking currently but I'm guessing that the shoes have never been changed, based upon the appearance of the drums. Does anyone have any recommendations for getting new shoes and drums? It seems like a lot of people end up getting drums that are out of round and I'd like to avoid the shitty aftermarket brands while hopefully avoiding the costs associated with OEM parts. Any suggestions are appreciated

 

I just changed mine. I intentionally used non-OEM parts because I wasn't sure changing the brakes was going to solve my issue (a vibration).



I also got their parts kit, and I didn't like the quality of them, so reused all the OEM springs, seats, and posts.

If you haven't done drum brakes before- study up. You NEED the drum brake tools. I did it once without them, and it was a multiple day ordeal. It took me an hour and a half to do the complete job changing to the Napa parts (with the right tools).

 

I have been using Napa Ultra Premium Brake parts for years on all my Toyota`s

I always have all the rear brake parts just in case.

I bought a set of Rotors and Pads at the dealer long ago (15 Years) the price was reasonable

 

Napa premium or anything hella/pagid is a good start. If a coated version is offered it is worth it.

 

I replaced all my drum inners....the springs, adjusters, all brandnew....
Ordered from napa.....took a week for em to get them....
advance had a kit that was close....but the napa was exact match....
wasnt their brand....reason it took a week...

However I did go full blown oem on the shoes......ordered toyota oem's from mcgeorge when I had big order from them.......rear axle seals/bearings.......
Most everywhere else ....oem shoes were like $40 more.....or from an untrusted source....

Also stuck with the aisin oem wheel cylinders.......bought a new one and a reman one....

 

As far as drums.....scotty says just get a high quality Chinese after market one.....
BUT order it local ........just in case.....
.....which is what I'd do.....

Wasting money buying high end.....modern import ones cant be turned......too thin.....
Either you'll get a good one or not.....right out of the gate....

 

Centric drums and OE pads

 

Honestly, I’d stay away from anything Centric. I went through 4 drums from them ordered though rock auto. All 4 were horrible out of round and shock horrendously. This was last year for my 06’ Tundra.

I went to a local mom and pop store and picked up some Raybestos Drums. They said they have the best luck with them.

The Centric wheel cylinders and parts kits were pretty crummy looking, but I ran them.

Honestly, next time I’m going all OEM. It’s like twice the cost though. One thing I noticed is the OEM Drums are balanced.

 

That's fair. I haven't had any issues and Centric does make parts for
some OEMs. They do have a few versions I believe and I never go for the cheapest option. Raybestos is good stuff too and I have used their pads before.

 

On these taco's drums and rotors..... huge number of manufacturers........


however the manufacture country of origin is gonna be the same place.......

 

Thanks for all of the replies guys. I went with Napa Ultra Premium Drums and Shoes. Hopefully the process isn't too painful, will get the drum brake tool kit.

 

What is the tool kit made up of?

 

Planning to buy this kit.

$30 Brake Service Kit, Drum Brake Tool Kit, Drum Brake Spring Tool Set, Drum Break Tools for Car with Drum Brake Spring Tool/Pliers/Adjusting Tool & More (Set of 8)

https://www.amazon.com/TOPEND-Brake...IjoiNC41MSIsInFzcCI6IjQuMjMifQ==&sr=8-2-spons

 

you just need these two:


Sometimes the auto parts stores sell these individually.

Edit: Also- on the spring tool- I'll place a small block of 1/2" wood on the shoe surface so the tool doesn't dig into or mare the shoe.

 

I've thought about replacing my drums since cosmetically they aren't great, but after 18 yrs and 188k they are still good so meh, I can live with icky looking drums

I did buy the drum kit from Harbor Freight that had all the tools in it, used it to replace the emergency brake hardware a few years ago

 

Your rear brakes actually work?
Toyota shoes are about 100. At least they never come apart and are made very well.
I agree on buying local for drums, too hit or miss nowadays.

 

yep, e-brake works daily, I use it on my sloped driveway and other places. I don't tow often so the rear gets less use. they've always passed inspection too

 

Do you know the size of that spring retainer tool? It seems there are a few different sizes so i want to make sure i get the right one if i just buy the individual tools.

Also, can anyone clarify if i NEED my parking brake to adjust my shoes? Mine is busted and I'm not planning to repair it.

 

I'll go measure mine in a minute.

While it's possible that you could adjust the shoes through the backing plate (with a screw driver on the star adjuster) it freaking sucks. What's wrong with the parking brake? Without ongoing adjustment from your parking brake, the shoes will need manual adjustment over time.

 

Mine looks to be 25mm / 1".