Forklift Brake Shoes

Forklift Brake Shoes: Drum Brake Replacement for 2T-16T — HELI Dalian OEM Bonded & Riveted

Brake shoes are the friction components inside the drum brake that press outward against the rotating drum to stop the forklift. Each shoe consists of a curved steel backing plate with bonded or riveted friction material. When the friction material wears below the minimum thickness specification (typically 1.5mm above the rivet heads or bonding line), the steel backing plate contacts the drum — destroying both the drum and creating a metal-on-metal grinding condition with severely reduced stopping power. A set of four brake shoes costs under $50; a brake drum replacement costs over $200 plus labor. Replace shoes before they destroy the drums.

Kingstream supplies replacement brake shoes for HELI, Dalian, Toyota, and Komatsu forklifts from 2-ton to 16-ton capacity. Every shoe set is inspected for lining thickness, arc match to drum diameter, and bonding/rivet integrity.

21 models in stock covering 2T through 16T capacity.

When to Replace Brake Shoes:

• Friction material worn to within 1.5mm of the rivet head or metal backing → Shoes are at minimum thickness. Replace immediately — the next stop could be metal-on-metal
• Loud grinding or scraping noise when braking → Shoes have worn through to the backing plate. Stop operation. Replace shoes AND inspect the drum for damage
• Brake pedal feels low or requires pumping to build pressure → Worn shoes require the wheel cylinder pistons to extend further, consuming more fluid. The self-adjuster may be at its limit. Replace shoes
• Uneven braking — forklift pulls to one side during braking → Shoes on one side are more worn than the other, or one shoe has oil/grease contamination from a leaking axle seal. Replace shoes on both sides
• Visible cracks, glazing, or contamination on the friction surface → Cracks indicate overheating. Glazing reduces friction. Oil or grease permanently contaminates the friction material. Replace

Available by Capacity:

2T Forklifts → Thickened brake shoes designed for 2-ton light-duty forklifts. Smaller shoe arc radius matches the smaller brake drum diameter on 2T models.

5-8T Forklifts → Standard medium-duty brake shoes for 5-7 ton HELI and 8-10 ton general applications. Wider shoes and thicker linings than 2T models.

10-16T Forklifts → Heavy-duty brake shoes for Dalian 10-15T, HELI 16T, and 10-15HB rear axle applications. The largest shoes in the forklift market with maximum friction area for stopping heavy loads.

OEM Cross-Reference / Representative Models:

21 models in stock. Need a specific shoe set by forklift model? Send us your drum diameter and shoe dimensions →

Compatible Forklift Brands:
HELI, Dalian, Toyota, Komatsu — 2T to 16T capacity.

Browse our complete forklift brake parts catalog.