Parts for your 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer-Brake shoes

Brake Shoes and Their Role in the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer

When it comes to the braking system of the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer, it's important to understand what type of components are used to keep the car stopping safely and effectively. Specifically, the term brake shoes might come up for some, but in the case of the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer, brake shoes are actually not a relevant or used component in the main braking system.

This is because the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer, like many modern cars, uses disc brakes on all four wheels, or at the very least on the front wheels, which are the primary brakes for most stopping power. Disc brakes use brake pads that clamp down on a rotor (also known as a disc) to slow the car. Brake shoes on the other hand, are typically found in drum brake systems. These shoes press outwards against the inside of a drum to create friction and stop the car.

So why does the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer not use brake shoes? Well, drum brakes and brake shoes are generally considered an older technology and are commonly found in older vehicles and on the rear axle of some budget or lightweight vehicles. Disc brakes offer better performance, especially when it comes to heat dissipation, stopping power, and resistance to brake fade under heavy use - all crucial for a modern, sporty sedan like the Lancer.

Disc brakes are also easier to inspect and replace and provide more consistent braking action. Because of these advantages, automakers like Mitsubishi have opted for disc brakes on all four wheels for the Lancer to deliver better stopping ability, safety, and driver confidence. Hence, if someone is looking at the braking components of a 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer, they should be thinking brake pads and rotors, not brake shoes.

That said, it's worth briefly explaining what brake shoes do and where you might still see them, just so there's a clear understanding of why they're not part of the Lancer's braking system.

Brake shoes are curved friction materials that fit inside a brake drum. When the brakes are applied, hydraulic pressure pushes the shoes outward, causing them to press against the spinning drum attached to the wheel, creating friction that slows the vehicle. Drum brakes are typically cheaper to produce and provide effective braking for lower-speed or lighter-load applications. Many older vehicles, trucks, and some cars still use rear drum brakes because of their durability in certain conditions and reduced replacement costs.

Despite their performance limitations compared to discs, drum brakes with brake shoes have remained in use in certain markets or vehicle segments where cost and longevity trump the need for ultimate stopping power. But for newer models like the 2013 Lancer, disc brakes take precedence for their superior responsiveness and safety benefits.

For anyone servicing a 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer, understanding the brake components that actually require attention is essential. Instead of brake shoes, maintenance will involve checking the brake pads and rotors.

The brake pads are the replaceable friction material that presses against the disc when the brakes are applied. Just like brake shoes wear down over time, so do brake pads. It's important to have them inspected every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometres or as part of routine servicing. Worn pads can reduce braking efficiency and damage the rotors, leading to more expensive repairs.

Brake pads usually need replacing when the friction material is down to about 2 to 3 millimetres thickness. Symptoms of worn pads include squealing noises, reduced pedal responsiveness, or a longer stopping distance. Technicians will also check the rotors for scoring, warping, or uneven wear during pad replacement.

Proper brake maintenance on the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer involves:

• Regular visual inspections of brake pads and rotors
• Listening for any unusual noises under braking
• Checking brake fluid levels and condition
• Replacing brake pads before the friction lining gets too thin
• Having rotors resurfaced or replaced if severely worn or damaged
• Ensuring the brake system is properly bled and free of air

Keeping on top of brake pad wear and addressing rotor issues promptly ensures the Lancer maintains its reliable and responsive braking. Good braking not only enhances safety but also helps avoid costly repairs down the track.

So, if anyone wonders about brake shoes on the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer, it's best to focus on the disc brake system components instead. Brake shoes simply aren't part of this model's setup, thanks to the advancements in braking technology and the car's design priorities. Maintaining the disc brakes with regular inspections and timely pad replacements will keep the Lancer stopping smoothly mile after mile.