Parts for your 2017 Nissan Pulsar-Brake shoes

Brake Shoes on the 2017 Nissan Pulsar: Are They Used and What You Should Know

When it comes to the 2017 Nissan Pulsar and its braking system, it's important to understand what components are involved to keep the vehicle safe and stopping smoothly. Many people hear the term brake shoes and automatically assume they are part of every car's brake system. However, in the case of the 2017 Nissan Pulsar, brake shoes are not actually used.

This might come as a surprise if you are used to older cars or certain types of vehicles where drum brakes with brake shoes are common. The 2017 Nissan Pulsar features disc brakes all around, meaning it uses brake pads instead of brake shoes. The disc braking system provides better stopping power and is more efficient in terms of heat dissipation and maintenance, which is why it's the preferred system for many modern cars, including the Pulsar.

So why aren't brake shoes used on the 2017 Nissan Pulsar? Brake shoes are typically found in drum brake systems, where the friction material is mounted inside a drum that rotates with the wheel. When the brake is applied, the shoes press outwards against the drum to create friction and slow the vehicle down. Drum brakes and brake shoes were standard in the past, especially on the rear wheels of many cars.

That said, the Pulsar's engineering uses disc brakes at both front and rear wheels. Disc brakes work by pressing brake pads against a spinning disc (rotor) to create the necessary friction. Compared to drum brakes, discs provide superior performance, especially in wet conditions or during heavy braking. This upgrade is one big reason the 2017 Nissan Pulsar doesn't use brake shoes.

Since the Pulsar's setup involves brake pads and rotors, discussions about brake shoes do not really apply. However, for the sake of those curious or owning vehicles with brake shoes, here's a helpful run-down of what brake shoes do in a traditional drum brake system, and what any maintenance or replacement would typically entail.

Brake shoes are the curved pieces of metal fitted with friction material on the outside. They serve to press outwards against the inside of the brake drum causing the vehicle to slow down. This friction material wears down over time, just like brake pads in a disc brake system. The friction material is made to handle heat and force but will eventually reach a point where it needs replacement to maintain safe braking performance.

A key reason brake shoes were widely used was their simpler, cost-effective design and ability to provide sufficient braking on rear wheels in combination with front disc brakes. However, drum brakes with brake shoes tend to be less effective in dissipating heat and can suffer from brake fade more easily. That is why many newer models, including the Pulsar, opt for full disc brakes.

If a car has drum brakes and brake shoes, servicing usually includes checking the thickness of the brake shoes, inspecting the drum for grooves or damage, and ensuring the brake shoes retract properly to prevent drag after braking. Typically, brake shoes need replacing when their lining wears down to about 2 to 3 millimetres in thickness, but it's best to refer to the specific vehicle's maintenance schedule.

Replacing brake shoes involves taking off the drum, removing the worn shoes, checking the springs and hardware, and fitting new shoes with fresh friction material. Because the internal parts of drum brakes are often spring-loaded and arranged in a precise way, replacing these components is usually better left to experienced mechanics or those comfortable with brake systems.

Regular brake servicing not only ensures the brake shoes and drums (in vehicles that have them) are in good condition but also that all elements such as wheel cylinders and cables are free to operate correctly. Proper maintenance is vital for safety, reliability, and maintaining the overall value of the vehicle.

For owners of the 2017 Nissan Pulsar, the focus will typically be on brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake fluid as key things to maintain. Periodic inspections at service intervals will identify any worn pads or scored discs requiring replacement or resurfacing. Brakes are one of the most critical safety components, so keeping tabs on brake wear and addressing any issues promptly will help avoid costly repairs and give peace of mind on the road.