Parts for your 2017 Ford Focus-Brake shoes

Brake Shoes and the 2017 Ford Focus: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the 2017 Ford Focus, brake shoes are not actually part of the braking setup. Instead, this vehicle uses disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels, which means it relies on brake pads rather than brake shoes. So, what's going on here and why isn't the Ford Focus fitted with brake shoes? Let's take a look.

Brake shoes are a component traditionally found in drum brake systems. These shoes are curved pieces with friction material attached, designed to press outward against the inside of a drum to slow down or stop the vehicle. Drum brakes used to be very common on the rear wheels of many cars, mainly because they were cheaper to manufacture and offered adequate braking for lighter rear loads.

However, over the years, automotive technology has moved quite heavily towards disc brakes, especially for models like the Ford Focus. Disc brakes provide better stopping power, improved heat dissipation, and more consistent performance in wet conditions. Because of this, cars in this class and era no longer use drum brakes and brake shoes at the back, choosing instead to equip disc brakes with brake pads all round.

So, on the 2017 Ford Focus you won't find brake shoes anywhere because it uses four-wheel disc brakes. What this means practically is that when servicing the vehicle, mechanics and owners focus on brake pads and rotors rather than brake shoes and drums.

For those wondering why disc brakes have replaced drum brakes (and brake shoes), there's a bunch of reasons that add up. Disc brakes are just easier to inspect and maintain. Brake pads are simpler to swap out than brake shoes because disc brake assemblies are more accessible without removing large components. Plus, disc brakes cool off faster which helps prevent brake fade during repeated or heavy braking. For a compact car like the Focus, these advantages mean safer and more reliable braking in everyday driving and emergency situations alike.

Now, if you've got a 2017 Ford Focus, your brake maintenance routine will focus on the brake pads and rotors. Here's some friendly advice about what to look out for, and when to consider replacement or service.

• Brake pads wear down over time due to friction every time you brake. It's a good idea to get them checked every 15,000 to 20,000 kilometres, though the exact interval depends on your driving style and environment.
• Common signs of worn brake pads include squealing noises when braking, a longer stopping distance, or a "soft" brake pedal feel. If any of these pop up, it's best not to wait around.
• While checking pads, it's smart to inspect the rotors for grooves, warping or rust. Warped rotors can cause vibration through the brake pedal and steering wheel.
• Many Ford service centres will recommend replacing brake pads when they reach about 3 millimetres thickness remaining. Regular pad replacement helps protect rotors from unnecessary wear, which saves money in the long run.
• Disc brakes require less messy cleaning than drum brakes and brake shoes, but keeping them free of dirt, dust, and grime is still key to good braking performance.

During a brake service on a 2017 Ford Focus, a mechanic will usually lift the car, remove the wheels, and visually inspect the brake pads and discs. If the pads are worn or damaged, new pads are installed. The rotor condition is also assessed - if rotors are in poor shape, they might be machined or replaced depending on severity.

Routine brake fluid checks and flushes are another important part of brake maintenance on the 2017 Ford Focus. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can lower braking efficiency and cause corrosion in the system. Ford generally recommends brake fluid replacement every two years or 30,000 kilometres, but checking your owner's manual is a good call.

It's worth noting there's no need to worry about brake shoes on a 2017 Ford Focus because the technology under the wheel hubs is all disc brakes and pads. If anyone ever offers you brake shoes for this model, it's probably a mix-up or confusion, so best to stick with genuine parts and advice specific to the Focus.

In the end, knowing your car's brake system and servicing it properly means peace of mind behind the wheel. The 2017 Ford Focus's disc brake set up provides effective and reliable stopping power without the need for brake shoes, making maintenance straightforward and easy to manage for owners.