PADS & SHOES

Brake Pads & Shoes For Peterbilt Trucks

Brake shoes are the friction components in the drum brake system that clamp against the rotating drum to slow a loaded Peterbilt. On a fully loaded 80,000-pound combination vehicle, stopping performance depends entirely on the condition and quality of the brake lining in contact with the drum. We carry brake shoes and brake lining assemblies for Peterbilt steer, drive, and trailer axle positions, in standard and severe-duty friction grades for different operating profiles.

Frequently asked questions about brake pads & shoes

How do I know when brake shoes need to be replaced on a Peterbilt?

FMCSA regulations require brake lining thickness to be at or above the minimum specified thickness — for most drum brake applications this is 1/4 inch at the thinnest point. At this limit or below, the shoes are an out-of-service condition. During PM inspections, lining should be measured through the inspection hole in the backing plate with a lining thickness gauge. Don't wait for metal-on-metal contact — brake drums scored by worn-through lining require resurfacing or replacement that costs far more than timely shoe replacement.

What friction grade brake shoe should I use on a Peterbilt?

Brake lining friction grades are designated by letter codes (e.g., FF, GG, FG) indicating cold and hot friction coefficients. The friction grade must be matched to the brake system's design — using a lining with a significantly different friction coefficient than what the slack adjusters and chambers were engineered for can produce either reduced stopping performance or aggressive grabbing. Consult the axle or brake system manufacturer's specification for the correct friction grade for your Peterbilt's brake configuration and application.

Should I replace brake shoes on all axles at once, or just where they're worn?

At minimum, replace shoes in axle sets — both sides of an axle together. Mixing new and worn lining on the same axle creates uneven brake force side to side, causing brake pull and potentially dangerous handling under emergency braking. On tandem drive axles, replacing all four wheel positions together is the preferred approach for consistent braking balance. If only one axle position is worn prematurely, investigate the root cause — a seized slack adjuster, stuck cam, or air pressure imbalance should be corrected before installing new shoes.

Other parts you might need

Shop drums for Peterbilt trucks