When it comes to maintaining the braking system of commercial vehicles, forklifts, buses, or heavy-duty equipment, understanding the difference between brake shoe relining and brake shoe replacement is essential.
At MDS Brakes, we offer both professional relining and full replacement services across South Africa—and we’re here to help you choose the right solution for your fleet or equipment.
Brake shoe relining involves removing the worn-out friction material (lining) from the brake shoe and bonding or riveting new lining onto the original shoe frame.
Cost-effective compared to full replacement
Environmentally friendly – reuses existing metal components
Faster turnaround for large fleets
Ideal for routine maintenance where the shoe frame is still in good condition
Brake shoe replacement involves installing a completely new set of brake shoes, including both the friction material and the metal backing plate.
Ensures brand-new components
Necessary when the shoe frame is cracked, warped, or excessively worn
Often required for extreme wear, heat damage, or compliance standards
| Feature | Brake Shoe Relining | Brake Shoe Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Turnaround Time | Faster (especially for fleets) | Slightly longer |
| Sustainability | Reuses original components | New components used |
| Best For | Normal wear and tear | Damaged, cracked or worn-out shoes |
| Performance | Excellent when done correctly | Excellent |
Choose relining when:
The shoe body is intact with no structural damage
You want to save on maintenance costs
You’re conducting routine servicing for commercial fleets or forklifts
Choose replacement when:
The brake shoes are cracked, warped, or corroded
You're dealing with heat damage or contamination
You require OEM-quality parts for high-performance applications
Pro Tip: Regular inspections can help you catch wear early, making relining a viable, more affordable option.
At MDS Brakes, we:
Inspect your brake shoes for wear, heat stress, and damage
Offer precision brake relining with high-grade linings
Replace brake shoes when necessary using quality-tested parts
Work with fleets, buses, forklifts, mining vehicles, and more
We’re committed to safety, cost-efficiency, and fast turnaround, helping your business stay on the move.