Parts for your 2013 Ford Falcon-Brake shoes

Brake Shoes on the 2013 Ford Falcon: What You Need to Know

The 2013 Ford Falcon is a popular Australian-built car known for its robust build and reliable performance. When it comes to the braking system, it is important to understand the parts involved. One common point of confusion is whether brake shoes are part of the Falcon's braking setup.

For the 2013 Ford Falcon, brake shoes are generally not used on the front wheels. Instead, this model uses disc brakes at the front, which employ brake pads rather than brake shoes. Disc brakes offer better stopping power and heat dissipation, making them the preferred choice for front wheels on many modern vehicles, including the Falcon.

However, brake shoes are still relevant at the rear on certain variants of the 2013 Falcon. The rear brake setup varies depending on the trim and market-specific configurations. Some models may have rear drum brakes, which use brake shoes, while others might be fitted with rear disc brakes, which use brake pads. Drum brakes, featuring brake shoes, are often used at the rear because they are cost-effective and offer adequate performance for the rear axle.

For those variants of the 2013 Ford Falcon equipped with rear drum brakes, brake shoes play a vital role. Brake shoes are curved friction components that press outward against the inside of the drum to slow the vehicle. When the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic pressure pushes the brake shoes into contact with the brake drum, creating friction. This friction converts the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat, slowing the wheels and ultimately stopping the car.

Because brake shoes are a wear item, regular inspection and maintenance are essential for ensuring safe and reliable braking performance. Worn brake shoes can lead to reduced braking efficiency, longer stopping distances, and potentially unsafe driving conditions.

Replacing brake shoes on a 2013 Ford Falcon with rear drum brakes is generally straightforward, but should ideally be performed by someone with the right tools and a bit of know-how. During the replacement process, the drum must be removed to access the brake shoes. The old shoes are then taken out, and new ones are fitted along with new springs and hardware if needed. It's a good idea to measure the brake drum internally to ensure it is within specification and not excessively worn. If the drum is damaged or out of spec, resurfacing or replacement may be required.

Brake shoes should be checked as part of regular vehicle servicing, especially if you notice symptoms like a pulling sensation when braking, unusual noises such as squealing or grinding from the rear wheels, or if the brake pedal feels softer or less responsive. In addition to assessing the brake shoes themselves, technicians will also typically check the wheel cylinders and other related drum brake components to ensure everything is operating correctly.

Maintenance tips for brake shoes include:

• Regularly inspect for wear or damage during servicing intervals.
• Listen for unusual noises that could indicate worn friction material.
• Check for braking performance issues, such as uneven braking or longer stopping distances.
• Replace brake shoes in pairs to maintain balanced braking on both sides.
• Ensure that replacement parts meet OEM specifications for best results.

Since brake shoes operate inside enclosed drums, they are less visible than disc brake pads, so proactive inspection is even more important. Many drivers may not realise how critical rear brake shoe condition is because drum brakes often feel less responsive once wear reaches a critical point. Not maintaining brake shoes can also cause damage to the brake drum and increase repair costs down the line.

For those Falcon models with rear disc brakes, the maintenance focus shifts completely to brake pads, rotors, and calipers, and brake shoes are not used at all. It's always best to consult the owner's manual or a trusted Ford service centre to confirm the specific braking setup on a particular Falcon variant.

So, if owning or servicing a 2013 Ford Falcon, understanding whether brake shoes are actually part of the braking system is key to proper maintenance. Rear drum brake models rely heavily on brake shoes to get the job done, and keeping these components in good working order is essential to staying safe on the road. Taking care of brake shoes with timely replacement and inspections will help keep braking sharp and dependable for many kilometres to come.