Parts for your 2018 Ford Escape-Brake shoes

Brake Shoes and the 2018 Ford Escape: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the braking system on a 2018 Ford Escape, it's important to understand exactly what parts are involved to keep the vehicle stopping safely and smoothly. Brake shoes, while a common term in automotive brake systems, are typically associated with drum brakes rather than disc brakes. For the 2018 Ford Escape, brake shoes are not relevant or used. So why is that the case? Let's break it down.

The 2018 Ford Escape is equipped with disc brakes on the front wheels and most often disc brakes on the rear wheels as well. Disc brakes use brake pads rather than brake shoes. Brake shoes are curved pieces of metal with friction material on the outer surface designed specifically for drum brakes. Drum brakes operate by pressing the brake shoes against the inner drum surface to create friction and slow the vehicle down. This technology is more common in older models or on rear axles of some smaller or less expensive vehicles.

The 2018 Ford Escape leans on modern braking technology, favouring disc brakes for their superior performance, especially in wet conditions and for consistent braking feel. Disc brakes use a pair of brake pads clamped onto a spinning rotor for friction. This design offers quicker heat dissipation and generally requires less maintenance compared to drum brakes and brake shoes.

Because the 2018 Ford Escape does not use drum brakes on any axle, it does not require brake shoes. Instead, it uses brake pads inside the disc brake system. So if someone is thinking about brake shoes for this vehicle, they should focus their attention on brake pads, rotors, calipers, and other components related to disc brakes.

Now, even though brake shoes are not part of the 2018 Ford Escape's braking system, it's still good to understand why brake shoes matter in vehicles where they are used and what you need to consider for replacement and maintenance if you ever come across them with other vehicles or classic cars.

Brake shoes are an essential part of drum brake systems and serve as the friction surface that presses outward against the drum when the brake pedal is applied. The friction generated helps slow or stop the wheel's rotation. These shoes are manufactured with a high-friction lining to withstand heat and wear over time. The whole setup can be quite reliable and cost-effective, which is why drum brakes and brake shoes are still found on some vehicles, particularly on rear axles of utility vehicles and older models.

When it comes to maintenance, brake shoes need to be checked regularly along with the drum to ensure safe braking. Over time, the lining wears down, and if it becomes too thin, braking efficiency reduces and stopping distances increase - a dangerous combination on any road, but especially so on busy Australian streets and highways.

The process of replacing brake shoes usually involves removing the drum, taking out the worn shoes, cleaning the brake assembly, installing new shoes, and then putting everything back together. It's also common to inspect and, if necessary, resurface or replace the drum to ensure the new shoes seat properly. Regular servicing intervals or any signs of squealing, difficulty stopping, or pulling to one side during braking should prompt a brake inspection.

For those driving vehicles that do use brake shoes, a few pointers when it comes to replacement and maintenance would include:

• Always have both brake shoes on the same axle replaced together to maintain even braking.
• Inspect the brake drums for scoring, pitting, or wear and replace or machine them if needed.
• Check for rust, spring tension, and adjust the shoes if your system uses manual adjustment.
• Listen for any unusual noises and take action quickly before brake performance declines.
• Regularly having your brakes inspected by a professional ensures you catch wear early.

Since the 2018 Ford Escape doesn't use brake shoes, owners should be focusing their attention on brake pads and rotors. Brake pads operate on similar principles of friction but with different components. Keeping those in good condition, along with fluid checks and overall brake system inspections, will keep the Escape stopping safely and efficiently for years on Australian roads.