Parts for your 2018 Ford Mondeo-Brake shoes

Brake Shoes and the 2018 Ford Mondeo: Are They Used?

When it comes to the braking system of the 2018 Ford Mondeo, brake shoes are generally not part of the setup. This model, like many modern passenger cars, primarily uses disc brakes, especially on the front wheels. Disc brakes are known for their efficiency, ease of maintenance, and better heat dissipation compared to drum brakes that use brake shoes.

Brake shoes are typically found in drum brake systems, where they press outward against a spinning drum to create friction and slow the vehicle. However, by 2018, the Ford Mondeo was equipped with disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels for most versions sold in Australia and many other markets. This shift away from drum brakes to all-wheel disc brakes helps provide more consistent braking performance, improved safety, and enhanced handling, which are key reasons why brake shoes do not feature on the 2018 Mondeo.

So why aren't brake shoes used on this model? It mainly comes down to advancements in brake technology and vehicle design priorities. Disc brakes paired with brake pads tend to offer quicker response times and better stopping power, especially in wet conditions, compared to drum brakes with brake shoes. Disc brakes also generally require less frequent maintenance and are simpler to inspect. Because of this, many manufacturers, including Ford, moved away from drum brakes and brake shoes on new passenger vehicles quite some time ago.

That said, it's worth noting that some smaller vehicles or budget models might still use drum brakes and brake shoes for rear brakes to keep costs down. But the Mondeo, being a mid-sized family sedan or wagon with a focus on performance and safety, is fitted with disc brakes all around. This means if someone is servicing or replacing braking components on their 2018 Mondeo, they will be dealing with brake pads and discs, not brake shoes.

Since brake shoes are not used on the 2018 Ford Mondeo, understanding their purpose and care is more relevant if you own an older vehicle or certain commercial vehicles that still use drum brake systems. Here's a bit of background on brake shoes in case it's useful or of interest.

Brake shoes are curved pieces of metal that have a friction material bonded to one side. They sit inside the brake drum and are forced outward by hydraulic cylinders when the brake pedal is pressed. This contact against the drum's inner surface slows the wheel's rotation. Because of constant friction, the brake shoes wear down over time and need to be checked and replaced to maintain safe braking performance.

Keeping brake shoes in good condition is vital when they are part of your vehicle's setup. Worn brake shoes can lead to longer stopping distances, brake noise, or even brake failure if left unattended. Regular inspections during servicing ensure that the shoes maintain adequate thickness. If the friction material wears thin or the shoes become cracked or contaminated by oil or grease, it is time for a replacement. Like brake pads, brake shoes are relatively straightforward for a mechanic to swap out.

Maintenance also involves checking other drum brake components like the brake drums themselves, wheel cylinders, and any return springs. Sometimes drums need to be resurfaced or replaced if they're uneven or damaged. Proper adjustment of brake shoes is important to keep the braking smooth and responsive, and this adjustment can be mechanical or automatic depending on the setup.

Regardless of the vehicle, brakes are one of the most important safety features, so it's recommended to follow the manufacturer's servicing schedule or have an experienced mechanic inspect the system regularly. For modern vehicles like the 2018 Mondeo, this means paying close attention to brake pads and discs rather than shoes, but knowing the function and care of brake shoes can be helpful if you ever encounter drum brakes in other vehicles.