Are drum brake lining kit and drum brake brake lining kit the same thing?

Yes. "Drum Brake Lining Kit" and "Drum brake brake lining kit" refer to the same car part. Other common names include Drum brake brake lining kit, Brake Lining Kit, drum brake. The part is the same regardless of which name is used.

How do I adjust drum brakes after fitting new shoes?

Self-adjusting drums set themselves over a few firm reverses with handbrake application. Manual adjusters need turning until the shoe just contacts the drum, then backed off until the wheel turns freely with a faint scrape.

Is asbestos still used in drum brake linings?

No — non-asbestos organic (NAO) and semi-metallic compounds replaced asbestos decades ago. Reputable suppliers always confirm asbestos-free status on the box.

Should I replace drums and shoes together?

Always measure the drum. If it is within tolerance and not scored, shoes alone are fine. Replace both if the drum is out of round, undersized after machining, or visibly damaged.

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Drum Brake Lining Kit buying guide — what to know before you buy

Drum brake lining kits contain a pair of brake shoes with friction lining bonded or riveted to the metal shoe. The shoes press outwards against the inside of the brake drum to slow the wheel. Drum brakes are still used on the rear of many small and mid-size vehicles and on most light commercial vehicles.

When to replace

Drum brake shoes wear at a similar rate to disc pads but are inspected less frequently. Symptoms develop gradually.

Squealing or grinding from the rear under braking
Reduced braking force compared to the front axle
Handbrake travel excessive or unable to hold the car on a slope
Lining thickness below 1.5 mm at the thinnest point
Cracking or contamination of the friction material

What to look for when buying

Shoes are sold as axle sets and must match the drum diameter, width, and orientation. Many vehicles have specific leading and trailing shoes that are not interchangeable.

Match drum diameter — common sizes include 200 mm, 228 mm, and 254 mm
Lining material — non-asbestos organic (NAO) is the modern standard; confirm asbestos-free certification
Leading and trailing shoes have lining of different lengths — fit the correct shoe to each side
Some kits include hold-down springs, return springs, and adjuster — useful for full refresh
Confirm whether your vehicle uses self-adjusting or manual adjusters

Common failure modes

Drum brakes can fail through wear, contamination, and adjuster issues.

Lining wear past minimum thickness or down to the rivet heads
Brake fluid contamination from a leaking wheel cylinder
Glazed lining from repeated handbrake application while moving
Seized adjuster prevents shoe travel from being maintained
Heat fatigue causing the lining to detach from the shoe

Related parts to check together

Open the drum is the right time to inspect the rest of the assembly.

Brake drum — measure inside diameter; replace if above the wear limit stamped on the drum
Wheel cylinder — check for fluid leak past the dust boots
Brake adjuster — replace if seized or out of adjustment range
Springs and hold-down kit — heat-cycled springs lose tension over time