A Guide to Replacing Drum Brake Shoes on Your 2002-2010 Chrysler Sebring
Understand the signs of failing rear brakes and choose the right aftermarket shoes for your Sebring.
- First, confirm if your Sebring has rear drum brakes, as many trims have rear discs.
- Symptoms like grinding noises, a soft pedal, or a weak parking brake mean it's time for an inspection.
- For best results, replace brake shoes, hardware springs, and inspect/resurface the drums all at the same time.
- If you own a 2010 model, verify the brake booster recall (NHTSA ID: 10V009000) has been completed for your safety.
Is Your Sebring Telling You It Needs New Brakes?
The rear drum brakes on your Chrysler Sebring are designed to wear out over time. Before they fail completely, they will usually give you clear warning signs. Ignoring these can lead to more expensive repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
Symptoms of Worn Drum Brake Shoes:
- Scraping or Grinding Noises: A metal-on-metal grinding sound from the rear wheels is a serious sign that the brake shoe material is completely gone.
- Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal: If your brake pedal feels softer than usual or goes closer to the floor, it could indicate a problem in the rear brake system, like a leaking wheel cylinder or worn shoes.
- Parking Brake Issues: A parking brake that doesn't hold the car securely, or a handle that pulls up much higher than it used to, points to worn or out-of-adjustment rear shoes.
- Vibration When Braking: While often caused by front rotors, severe wear or out-of-round drums in the rear can also cause vibration when you apply the brakes.
Important: Check Your Brake Type
Not all 2002-2010 Sebrings use rear drum brakes. Some models, especially coupes with a V6 engine or higher trim levels, were equipped with rear disc brakes. Before buying parts, visually inspect your rear wheels. If you see a flat, solid disc (a rotor), you have disc brakes. If you see a bowl-shaped cover (a drum), you have drum brakes.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Drum Brake Shoes
For a vehicle like the 2002-2010 Sebring, high-quality aftermarket brake shoes offer excellent performance and value. You don't need to pay a premium for dealership parts. Reputable aftermarket brands often meet or exceed the original factory specifications. Here’s a breakdown of common brand tiers to help you choose.
Daily Driver & OEM-Quality Brands
These brands are known for providing reliable, quiet, and long-lasting performance for everyday driving. They are the go-to choice for most Sebring owners.
- Wagner Brakes: A very well-known and respected brand in the industry, offering quality and innovation.
- Bendix: Another top-tier name in braking, Bendix provides a comprehensive selection of shoes designed for reliable stopping power.
- Centric Parts: A leading aftermarket manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality and proper fitment.
- Crown Automotive: This brand specializes in parts for Chrysler vehicles, which can be an advantage for ensuring an exact fit and function.
Performance & Premium Brands
While high-performance shoes aren't typically necessary for the rear drums on a Sebring, these brands are known for their focus on enhanced stopping power.
- Powerstop: Often sold in convenient kits, Powerstop focuses on performance braking systems designed for superior stopping power.
Economy Brands
These brands provide a functional repair at a lower price point, making them a good option for budget-conscious repairs.
- Total Stopping Solutions: Positioned as a value-oriented brand, offering a cost-effective solution to get your brakes working safely again.
Pro Tip: Replace the Hardware and Check the Drums
When you replace your brake shoes, it is highly recommended to also replace the springs and clips with a new hardware kit. Old springs can lose tension, causing noise and improper shoe movement. Also, have your brake drums inspected. If they have deep grooves or a large lip on the edge, they should be resurfaced (machined) or replaced for the new shoes to work correctly.
Known Issues for 2002-2010 Chrysler Sebring Brakes
While there are no recalls specifically for the drum brake shoes, a critical safety recall exists for some 2010 models.
- 2010 Brake Booster Recall: Certain 2010 Sebring models were recalled for a brake booster input rod clip that could be missing or improperly formed (NHTSA Campaign ID: 10V009000). This defect could cause a complete loss of brakes. You can check with a Chrysler dealer or on the NHTSA website to see if your vehicle is affected and if the repair has been completed.
- Noisy Brakes: Some owners have reported persistent squeaking and grinding noises from the rear brakes, which is often a sign of glazed or worn-out shoes that need replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to replace the brake drums with the shoes?
Not always. If your brake drums are still smooth, within the specified thickness, and not warped, they can be reused. However, if they have deep grooves or a large lip on the edge from wear, they must be replaced or resurfaced by a machine shop. Installing new shoes on bad drums will cause poor performance and premature wear.
Should I replace shoes on both sides at the same time?
Yes, absolutely. Brake shoes should always be replaced as a set for the rear axle (both left and right wheels). Replacing only one side will cause a dangerous braking imbalance, making the car pull to one side during braking.
What is the difference between bonded and riveted brake shoes?
Bonded shoes have the friction material glued to the metal shoe, while riveted shoes use metal rivets. Most modern passenger cars, including the Sebring, use bonded shoes. They offer quieter operation and more usable friction material. The brands listed in this guide typically provide bonded shoes that match the original factory design.
What else should I check when replacing my brake shoes?
It is very important to inspect the wheel cylinders. These are small hydraulic parts that push the shoes out. Pull back the rubber boots on each end and check for any wetness from leaking brake fluid. A leaking wheel cylinder must be replaced, as it will contaminate your new shoes and cause brake failure.
Technical Specifications
The 2002-2010 Chrysler Sebring models with rear drum brakes typically use a standard bonded brake shoe. It is critical to verify the correct part based on your vehicle's specific year and trim (Coupe, Sedan, or Convertible), as some models were equipped with rear disc brakes instead.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Chrysler Sebring:
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Sebring Telling You It Needs New Brakes?
- Symptoms of Worn Drum Brake Shoes:
- Important: Check Your Brake Type
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Drum Brake Shoes
- Daily Driver & OEM-Quality Brands
- Performance & Premium Brands
- Economy Brands
- Pro Tip: Replace the Hardware and Check the Drums
- Known Issues for 2002-2010 Chrysler Sebring Brakes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 🎟️ Get 5% Off