how much does it cost to replace brake drums and shoe

[Clocker]

i have a 2001 escort and i need to replace the drums and shoes . i was wondering how much it is going to cost for me to take it to the mechanic. i live in CA.

btw i am also interested at how much it costs in other states. and is their a national chain repair shop anyone would recommend.

 

[Eli]

Just the rears, or do the fronts need done too? CA?

I'd say $250. $350 if you need the fronts done too.

 

[funboy6942]

About $100 per side at a mechanic and about $35 per side if you do it yourself including new bearing seals and drums.
That price of $100 per side at a mechanic may, MAY, include cutting the drums but they will always tell you they cannot are over charge you for a new set or tack on cutting the old ones at labor cost at 1/2 a pop x 2. But most wont want to do that and just tell you they are to thin to cut and make a killing buying new drums for $10 and selling them to you at $50 each.

Brakes IMO, especially the fronts or front and rear disk, are the easiest things to do to a car next to oil changes and changing spark plugs and wires. Rear drums can be a little tricky but a $10 chiltons, a brake tool kit, and some bearing grease now will pay for itself the second 2 you do your own brakes, and you will save money and get self gratification knowing you did it yourself plus didn't get screwed

 

[Clocker]

yeah i agree. i did the front disc brakes myself. they were certainly easy enough. but i am weary about doing drum brakes since i have no experience in it whatsoever.

last i am talking about my rear wheels. they are beginning to squeal when i use my breaks.

The front brakes on the escort are disc brakes and the rear are drum brakes. only if they were all disc brakes

 

[funboy6942]

I wouldnt let the rears scare you. Do one side at a time. You have a few springs, some little retainers, and what not. A chiltons manual will walk you step by step and again do one side at a time so if you get confused as to the springs and how the go back on you look at the other side Bearings are real leasy to repack and HEY if you like I will give you my number and will be happy to walk you through it if you like. I worked on a many of cars myself, even worked as a service manager for Ford, Dodge, and Infinity and would be happy to help you out if I can. May have been almost 12 years since I been a manager or worked on cars professionally BUT older cars are my forte and would be happy to share some of me experance with you if you like.

But if you can do the front, the rears your first time might look over whelming, but once you get one side done you will sit back and tell yourself "damn funboy was right, this wasnt that bad, think I will send him a 12 pack of Killians reds "

Just be sure to get to them sone before they make groves in the drums or they can be a real bitch to take off.