The difference between brake pads and brake shoes

Brake pads and brake shoes are both components of a vehicle's braking system, but they have some differences in their design and function.

Brake pads are flat, metal plates with friction material on one or both sides. They are held in place by a brake caliper and when the brakes are applied, they press against the brake rotor, creating friction that slows down or stops the vehicle. Brake pads are commonly used on disc brakes, which are found on the front wheels of most modern vehicles and on the rear wheels of some vehicles.

Brake shoes, on the other hand, are curved metal components with friction material on the outside. They are held in place by a brake drum and when the brakes are applied, they press against the inside of the drum, creating friction that slows down or stops the vehicle. Brake shoes are commonly used on drum brakes, which are found on the rear wheels of many vehicles.

In summary, brake pads are used on disc brakes, while brake shoes are used on drum brakes. They both serve the same purpose of slowing down or stopping the vehicle by creating friction, but they have different designs to suit the different types of brakes they are used on.