2000 Chevrolet Blazer - Parking Brake Shoe

What is a Parking Brake Shoe?

The parking brake shoes are small brake shoes housed inside the rear disc brake rotors. Parking brake shoes are engaged when the parking brake is applied, which activates the parking brake cables or actuators to force the shoes against the inside surface of the rear disc brake rotor; this locks the rotor in place to prevent your vehicle from rolling or moving when parked. Over time, or if you frequently drive with the parking brake engaged, your parking brake shoes can suffer damage or wear out. Friction between the rotor and the parking brake shoe can also create significant heat, which may result in deterioration of the shoe's friction material or separation of the friction material from the shoe frame. The parking brake shoes can also be negatively affected by debris and contaminants, which may lead to corrosion or cause the brake shoes to stick. A sticking brake shoe can also be caused by the brake cables or actuators suffer damage or corrosion that prevents the parking brake shoes from disengaging, or if the shoes themselves bind in the rotor and will not release. Sometimes a simple cleaning can fix sticking brake shoes, but in other cases, the parking brake shoes, cables, and other parts may need to be repaired or replaced. Symptoms that indicate a parking brake shoe replacement is needed include the parking brake becoming stuck, reduced parking brake effectiveness, or if your parking brake does not hold your vehicle in place. The cable for the parking brake may also stretch and struggle to disengage, so be sure to inspect all components of your parking brake shoe for signs of damage, corrosion, or an excess of debris. If you aren't sure if your brakes need to be replaced, check out our article on top symptoms of brake component failure, and shop O'Reilly Auto Parts for a new set of parking brake shoes or hardware to keep your vehicle parked safely.