How Much Does It Cost to Replace Rear Drum Brakes in 2025?

Most drivers pay $250–$600 per rear axle for a standard drum brake service (new shoes, hardware, cleaning, adjustment, and bleeding). If the drums or wheel cylinders also need replacement, expect $350–$900, with heavy-duty trucks and European models sometimes reaching $1,100. Costs vary by vehicle, region, shop labor rates, and the condition of the brake hardware.

What Determines the Price

Several variables influence how much you’ll pay to replace rear drum brakes. Understanding these helps explain the wide range you may see in quotes.

• Parts required: Shoes and hardware are standard; drums and wheel cylinders are replaced as needed.
• Labor time: Corrosion, seized adjusters, or damaged hardware can add significant time.
• Vehicle type: Heavy-duty trucks, vans, and European brands can have pricier parts and longer labor.
• Shop labor rate: Commonly $90–$175 per hour in 2025, depending on region and shop type.
• Drum condition: Drums may be resurfaced if within spec or replaced if worn or out-of-round.
• Brake system complexity: ABS bleed procedures and integrated parking brake systems can add time.
• Regional factors: Rust-belt vehicles often need extra labor to free seized components.

Together, these factors determine whether you see a straightforward mid-range bill or a higher ticket that includes additional parts and labor.

Typical Cost Breakdown

Parts Costs (Per Rear Axle)

Parts pricing varies by brand and vehicle class. The list below outlines common components and typical 2025 price ranges.

• Brake shoes: $50–$200
• Brake drums: $50–$150 each ($100–$300 for the pair)
• Hardware/spring kit (including hold-downs and adjusters): $10–$40
• Wheel cylinders: $15–$60 each ($30–$120 for the pair)
• Brake cleaner, high-temp lubricant, and small supplies: $5–$20
• Brake fluid (for bleed/flush): $5–$20 in fluid; more if a full flush is done

Most routine services need shoes and a hardware kit; drums and wheel cylinders are replaced based on inspection and measurements.

Labor and Shop Fees

Labor time depends on vehicle condition and whether additional parts are needed. The items below summarize common labor and fee considerations.

• Labor time: Typically 1.5–3.0 hours for both sides; add time for corrosion or extra components.
• Labor rate: $90–$175 per hour in many U.S. markets in 2025.
• Drum resurfacing: $20–$50 per drum if within spec; replacement if out of spec.
• Shop supplies and disposal fees: $10–$50, plus taxes.
• ABS bleed or full brake fluid flush: May add 0.3–0.8 hours if required.

Labor is the largest swing factor; high hourly rates and rust-related difficulties can materially raise the final bill.

Total Estimated Out-the-Door Scenarios

Here’s how the parts and labor typically stack up into real-world totals that shops quote for a rear axle service.

• Basic service (shoes + hardware, clean/adjust/bleed): $250–$600
• With new drums (plus the above): $350–$800
• With wheel cylinders (plus the above): $450–$900
• Heavy-duty/European vehicles: $500–$1,100
• DIY parts-only (if you have tools/skills): $80–$350

Most everyday cars fall into the first two categories, with higher totals driven by drum replacement, wheel cylinders, and regional labor rates.

Signs You May Need Rear Drum Brake Replacement

Knowing when drums need attention can prevent damage to other components and higher costs later.

• Scraping, grinding, or rhythmic scraping noises from the rear
• Longer stopping distances or a low, spongy pedal feel
• Brake pull, vibration, or pulsation from out-of-round drums
• Parking brake requires excessive travel or won’t hold well
• Visible brake fluid seepage at wheel cylinders or excessive brake dust inside the drum
• Mileage-based wear: many vehicles need rear shoes somewhere between 30,000–70,000 miles, depending on driving and load

Any of these symptoms warrants an inspection; catching wear early can keep the job closer to the “basic service” price range.

What a Quality Drum Brake Job Includes

A thorough service ensures safe braking and better longevity. Use the checklist below to gauge the scope of work in your quote.

• Service both sides of the axle to maintain balanced braking
• New brake shoes plus a complete hardware/spring kit
• Drums measured; resurfaced if within spec or replaced if out of spec or heat-checked
• Wheel cylinders inspected for leaks and replaced as needed
• Self-adjusters cleaned/lubricated; backing plate contact points lubricated
• Brake system bled; fluid topped or flushed per condition
• Parking brake cables checked/adjusted
• Road test and final adjustment/bed-in procedure

When these steps are followed, braking performance and wear life improve, reducing the likelihood of repeat visits.

Can Drums Be Resurfaced Instead of Replaced?

Often, yes. If the drum’s diameter remains within the manufacturer’s maximum spec and the surface isn’t heat-cracked, shops can machine it for about $20–$50 per drum. If the drum exceeds maximum diameter or is severely scored or out-of-round, replacement is required. Since many drums are relatively inexpensive, replacement can be more economical than machining in some cases.

DIY vs. Professional Service

Rear drums are serviceable at home with the right tools, but complexity and safety considerations make professional service appealing for many drivers.

• DIY advantages: Lowest cost ($80–$350 in parts), control over parts quality, flexible timing
• DIY drawbacks: Requires special tools (spring pliers, brake spoon), bleeding procedure, and safety diligence; can take 2–4 hours or more
• Professional advantages: Proper equipment, faster turnaround, warranty, correct disposal of brake dust and fluids

If you’re new to brake work, professional service is usually worth the added cost for safety and reliability.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

Clear questions help you compare apples to apples between shops and avoid surprise charges.

• Ask for a line-item estimate: parts (shoes, hardware, drums, wheel cylinders), labor hours, fees, and taxes
• Confirm pricing is per axle, not per side
• Clarify whether drums will be measured and resurfaced or priced for replacement
• Ask if wheel cylinders are inspected and what triggers replacement
• Verify labor rate, warranty terms, and whether a brake fluid flush is included or extra
• Note any rust/corrosion caveats that could add labor time

With a detailed estimate, you can better compare shops and choose the option that balances cost, quality, and convenience.

Summary

Expect $250–$600 for a standard rear drum brake service and $350–$900 when drums and/or wheel cylinders are included, with higher costs for heavy-duty and European vehicles. Labor rates, parts needs, and vehicle condition drive the total. A thorough job services both sides, replaces shoes and hardware, addresses drums appropriately, inspects wheel cylinders, and includes proper adjustment and bleeding.

How much are rear drum brakes to replace?

A rear drum brake replacement typically costs $300 to $400 for the entire job, but this can vary based on your vehicle, the extent of the damage, and your location. The final price includes the cost of parts, which can be under $250 for both drums, and the labor to install them. 
Cost Breakdown

• Parts: Brake drums and their associated hardware (like brake shoes) are relatively inexpensive, ranging from approximately $100 to $250 for a full set of replacement drums and shoes. 
• Labor: Expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $120 or more for the labor involved. The complexity of the job can increase if a shop has difficulty removing a stuck wheel or drum. 

Factors Affecting the Cost

• Vehicle Type: Luxury or high-performance vehicles may have higher labor and parts costs. 
• Extent of the Repair: A simple drum replacement is less expensive than a job that also requires replacing wheel cylinders or other related components. 
• Shop Type: Prices can differ between independent shops, dealerships, and mobile repair services. 
• DIY vs. Professional: Performing the repair yourself can significantly reduce costs, but requires time, proper tools, and mechanical knowledge. 
• Location: Geographic location can impact overall price, with some areas being more expensive for auto repairs than others. 

How to Get a More Accurate Estimate

• Vehicle Information: Have your vehicle’s make, model, and year ready when you call for an estimate. 
• Contact Multiple Shops: Get quotes from several different auto repair shops to compare prices. 
• Ask About the Total Cost: Inquire if the estimate includes all parts, labor, taxes, and any potential related repairs. 

How much should a rear drum brake job cost near me?

The average brake drum replacement cost averages between $275 and $399 depending on the type of the vehicle you have the type of repair shop you’re taking your vehicle to.

How much does labor cost to replace rear drum brakes?

The average cost for a Brake Drum Replacement is between $297 and $360. Labor costs are estimated between $82 and $120 while parts are priced between $215 and $240. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

Are drum brakes cheaper to replace?

• Cost-Effective : Drum brakes are generally cheaper to manufacture and install than disc brakes, making them a cost-effective option for budget vehicles.
• Good Performance in Low-Speed Applications
• Self-Adjusting Features