Does the brake shoe material become less efficient?

[paulio0898]

Hi ,
Does anyone know if the (front) shoe material goes hard with age?
Im wondering as brakes don't seem too good, and shoes are around 10/15 years old.
Do they go hard on their own, car hasn't been used for ~10 years.
So wondering if I should buy new, but these still have plenty of material left?
p.s I sanded the top surface to make make sure they are aren't glazed.

Cheers and thanks in advance
Paul

[philthehill]

Also de-glaze the drum rubbing face.
The brakes should not loose any efficiency through not being used.
So long as the glaze is removed from both shoe and drum the brakes should work as efficiently as when first fitted.
Using good quality materials for the brake shoe does help.

[paulio0898]

Thanks Phil:)