The parking brake strut applies force to which shoe in a drum brake system?

Prepare for the Automotive Service Technician Period 1 exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

In a drum brake, the hydraulic wheel cylinder pushes both shoes outward to contact the drum. The parking brake uses a separate mechanical link called a strut that acts on the shoe on the opposite side of the backing plate from the one hydraulically actuated. When you pull the parking brake, the strut pushes that opposite shoe toward the drum (and against the other shoe), creating the clamping force needed to hold or slow the vehicle. So the parking brake strut applies force to the opposite shoe.