Parts for your 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer-Brake shoes

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer brake shoes — what they do and when to replace them

Based on technical references including the Mitsubishi Lancer CH/CS workshop manual (Brake section, 2003–2007), the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, and common AU/NZ aftermarket catalogues (e.g., Bendix, Repco listings), brake shoes are used on many 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer variants that have rear drum brakes (common on ES/GLi and fleet models). Higher-spec models like some VR-X and Ralliart variants run rear disc brakes and therefore don’t use brake shoes. The guidance below is for Lancers fitted with rear drum brakes.

On drum-brake Lancers, the rear brake shoes sit inside the drum and expand outwards when the driver hits the pedal, creating the friction that slows the car. They also do much of the work for the handbrake, so when the shoes wear or go out of adjustment, handbrake performance often drops off too. The design is simple, robust, and well-suited to daily-driving duties across Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Good shoes help keep braking distances consistent and pedal feel predictable. Worn or glazed linings, contaminated friction material (from a leaking wheel cylinder or diff oil), or heat-spotted drums can all cause shudder, squeal, or poor bite. As noted in the Lancer service literature, rear drums and shoes need periodic inspection and adjustment to maintain the self-energising action and even contact across the linings.

As part of regular servicing on a 2006 Lancer with drum rears, it’s smart to:

• Inspect shoe thickness and evenness, and check for glazing or cracking.
• Look for fluid leaks at the wheel cylinders and weeping axle seals.
• Measure drum ID and condition, machine or replace if out of spec.
• Clean and lightly lubricate backing plate contact points, replace hold-down springs if tired or rusty.
• Adjust the star wheel so the shoes just kiss the drum, then confirm handbrake travel.
• Replace shoes in axle pairs, bed them in gently over the first 200–300 km.

There’s no fixed kilometre interval for shoe replacement because it depends on driving, loads, and terrain. Many owners find inspection every 20,000–30,000 km works well, with replacement typically anywhere from 50,000–100,000+ km. If the handbrake needs more clicks than usual, the car drags or feels flat under brakes, or there’s grinding/squeal at low speed, it’s time for a closer look.

Technical sources: Mitsubishi Lancer CH/CS Service Manual (2003–2007), Mitsubishi ASA EPC, and Haynes Repair Manual for Mitsubishi Lancer 2002–2007.

Popular questions about 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer brake shoes

Do all 2006 Lancers use rear brake shoes?
Not all. Many ES/GLi and similar variants have rear drums with brake shoes. Some higher-spec models (e.g., certain VR-X or Ralliart trims) use rear disc brakes, which have pads instead of shoes. A quick look through the wheel spokes or checking the build plate and parts listings will confirm what’s on the car.

How can someone tell the rear shoes need replacing?
Tell-tales include longer stopping distances, a soft or low pedal, squealing or scraping noises at low speeds, excessive handbrake travel, or the car pulling to one side. Removing the drum lets a technician measure shoe thickness and drum ID against the workshop manual specs to decide if replacement or machining is needed.

Should rear drums be machined when fitting new shoes?
It’s often recommended if the drum surface is scored, heat-spotted, or slightly out of round. Machining helps new shoes bed in evenly and reduces noise. If a drum is beyond its maximum diameter spec, it should be replaced rather than machined.