1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your Power Stop B473 Brake Shoes. Designed for optimal performance and durability, these semi-metallic brake shoes are engineered to meet the demands of professional installers and ensure reliable braking.
For any questions or assistance, please refer to the support section or contact Power Stop customer service.
2. Product Features
The Power Stop B473 Brake Shoes incorporate advanced design and materials for superior braking performance:
- Bonded Construction: 11 inches x 5.1563 inches, ensuring robust and secure attachment of the friction material.
- Semi-Metallic Composition: Provides excellent stopping power and durability.
- Post-Cured for Enhanced Performance: This process increases brake power and reduces the break-in period.
- Precision Arc Ground: Ensures proper fitment to the brake drum, minimizing installation issues and maximizing contact.
- 100% Asbestos-Free: Manufactured without asbestos for environmental safety and health.
- Chamfered Edges: Designed to assure noise-free braking and prevent chatter.
- New Steel Construction: Made from 100% new steel, black coated to resist rust and corrosion.
3. Installation Guide
Proper installation is crucial for the safe and effective operation of your brake shoes. It is highly recommended that installation be performed by a qualified automotive technician. Incorrect installation can lead to brake failure and serious injury.
3.1. Pre-Installation Checks
- Verify that the Power Stop B473 Brake Shoes are the correct fitment for your vehicle's make, model, and year. Refer to your vehicle's service manual or use online fitment tools.
- Inspect all related brake components, including drums, hardware (springs, adjusters, retainers), wheel cylinders, and brake lines for wear or damage. Replace any worn or damaged parts.
- Ensure the brake drums are within manufacturer specifications for diameter and runout. Resurface or replace drums as necessary.
Figure 3.1: Power Stop B473 Brake Shoes as packaged, showing the product and its box. This image illustrates the new brake shoes ready for installation.
Figure 3.2: A pair of Power Stop B473 Brake Shoes, showcasing the friction material and the steel backing. Note the precision arc ground design for optimal drum contact.
Figure 3.3: Rear view of the Power Stop B473 Brake Shoes, showing the structural integrity and the black coated steel backing designed to resist rust.
Figure 3.4: An example of a vehicle fitment tool interface, which can be used to confirm compatibility of brake shoes with a specific vehicle by selecting vehicle type, year, make, and model.
3.2. Installation Steps (General)
- Safely lift and support the vehicle. Remove the wheel and brake drum.
- Carefully remove the old brake shoes and associated hardware, noting the orientation of all components. It is advisable to replace all brake hardware (springs, clips, adjusters) when replacing shoes.
- Clean the backing plate thoroughly, removing any dust or debris. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake lubricant to contact points on the backing plate where the shoes slide.
- Install the new Power Stop B473 Brake Shoes and new hardware according to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications. Ensure all springs are correctly tensioned and adjusters are properly seated.
- Adjust the brake shoes to the drum. This typically involves adjusting the star wheel until the drum slides on with a slight drag.
- Reinstall the brake drum and wheel. Lower the vehicle.
- Repeat the process for the other side of the vehicle. Always replace brake shoes in pairs (both sides of an axle).
4. Operating and Break-In Procedures
After installing new brake shoes, a proper break-in procedure is essential to ensure optimal performance, longevity, and to prevent noise or premature wear. This process helps to transfer a layer of friction material to the brake drum surface.
4.1. Break-In Procedure
- Find a safe area with minimal traffic to perform the break-in.
- Accelerate the vehicle to approximately 30-35 mph (48-56 km/h).
- Apply moderate brake pressure to slow down to about 5-10 mph (8-16 km/h). Do not come to a complete stop.
- Release the brakes and drive for a short distance (approximately 30 seconds) to allow the brakes to cool.
- Repeat this process 8-10 times.
- After the series of stops, drive for several minutes at a moderate speed without braking to allow the brake system to cool down completely. Avoid heavy braking during this cooling period.
During the break-in process, you may notice a slight smell or some smoke from the brakes. This is normal. Avoid engaging the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) during break-in.
5. Maintenance
Regular inspection and maintenance of your brake system are vital for safety and performance. While Power Stop B473 Brake Shoes are designed for durability, their lifespan depends on driving conditions and maintenance habits.
- Routine Inspection: Have your brake system inspected by a qualified technician at least once a year or every 12,000 miles (20,000 km), whichever comes first.
- Check for Wear: During inspections, check the thickness of the brake shoe lining. Replace shoes when the lining wears down to the minimum recommended thickness by the vehicle manufacturer.
- Drum Condition: Inspect brake drums for scoring, cracks, or excessive wear. Drums should be resurfaced or replaced if they are out of specification.
- Hardware Check: Ensure all brake hardware (springs, clips, adjusters) are clean, free of corrosion, and functioning correctly. Replace any worn or corroded hardware.
- Cleanliness: Keep the brake assembly free from excessive dust and debris. Use an approved brake cleaner if necessary, following safety precautions.
6. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues that may arise with drum brake systems. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended to have your brake system inspected by a professional.
6.1. Common Issues and Solutions
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Squealing or Grinding Noise | Worn brake shoes, contaminated lining, improper break-in, worn or missing hardware, scored drums. | Inspect shoes for wear, clean or replace contaminated parts, ensure proper break-in, check and replace hardware, resurface or replace drums. |
| Vibration or Pulsation | Out-of-round drums, excessive drum runout, uneven lining wear. | Inspect and measure drums; resurface or replace if necessary. Check for proper shoe adjustment. |
| Poor Braking Performance | Contaminated lining (oil/grease), worn shoes, improper adjustment, faulty wheel cylinder. | Inspect for leaks, clean or replace shoes, adjust shoes correctly, inspect wheel cylinders. |
| Brake Dragging / Overheating | Over-adjusted shoes, seized wheel cylinder, worn return springs. | Check shoe adjustment, inspect wheel cylinders for free movement, replace weak or broken springs. |
7. Specifications
Detailed specifications for the Power Stop B473 Brake Shoe:
- Model Number: B473
- Manufacturer: Power Stop
- Part Number: B473
- OEM Part Number: B473
- Brake Shoe Type: Semi-Metallic
- Dimensions: 11 inches x 5.1563 inches (Bonded)
- Product Dimensions: 27.94 x 10.16 x 21.59 cm
- Item Weight: 3.9 kg
- Position: Rear
- Country of Origin: China
- Special Features: Post-cured, precision arc ground, 100% asbestos-free, chamfered, black coated new steel.
8. Warranty and Support
Power Stop stands behind the quality of its products. For specific warranty information regarding your B473 Brake Shoes, please refer to the warranty documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Power Stop website.
For technical support, installation guidance, or warranty claims, please contact Power Stop customer service through their official channels. When contacting support, please have your product model number (B473) and purchase details readily available.
Power Stop Official Website: www.powerstop.com
Note: Warranty terms and conditions may vary. Always consult the latest information provided by the manufacturer.