Wagner Brake Z197R Drum Brake Shoe - Front or Rear

Wagner Z197R Drum Brake Shoe Overview

The Wagner Z197R drum brake shoe is built for direct-fit service on select Buick applications, including Buick LeSabre, Riviera, Skylark, Roadmaster, and Century models. It uses OE-matched friction material and precision-ground surfaces to improve friction-to-drum contact for consistent braking performance.

As part of the Wagner brake shoe line, this replacement focuses on fit, friction consistency, and drum contact quality for classic Buick front and rear drum brake systems.

Key Features

• OE-matched organic friction material for balanced brake response
• Precision-ground shoe surfaces to maximize contact with the brake drum
• Riveted friction material attachment
• 2.250-inch brake shoe width
• 12.000-inch brake drum diameter
• Primary friction thickness: 0.250 inch
• Secondary friction thickness: 0.290 inch
• FMSI number S197R

Detailed Description

The Wagner Z197R is a drum brake shoe engineered for Buick drum brake service where correct shoe geometry and friction consistency matter. Its organic friction material supports smooth engagement, while the precision-ground construction helps the shoe seat properly against the drum surface. This part number is commonly searched for classic Buick brake repair, including Buick LeSabre drum brake shoe replacement, Buick Riviera front drum brake service, and Buick Skylark brake shoe applications. This part cross-references 197SG and BS216 for the same application.

What This Brake Shoe Helps Address

• Reduced braking performance from worn drum brake shoes
• Uneven shoe-to-drum contact that can affect pedal feel
• Brake noise caused by worn friction surfaces
• Brake fade related to aged or glazed drum shoe material
• Service needs on classic Buick front or rear drum brake systems

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify brake drum diameter is 12.000 inches and confirm shoe width before installation. Inspect the drum surface, wheel cylinders, return springs, and hardware condition during service, since worn drum components can affect braking results. This part does not list mounting hardware included, so reuse or replace related service components as needed based on inspection. Confirm the vehicle position and notes in the fitment data before ordering.

• Fits 1962-1970 Buick LeSabre, front, with 3,000 lb front axle; with heavy duty brakes; Wagner
• Fits 1963-1970 Buick Riviera, front, with 3,000 lb front axle; with heavy duty brakes; Wagner
• Fits 1962-1963 Buick Skylark, front, Wagner
• Fits 1954 Buick Skylark, front, Wagner
• Fits 1959-1961 Buick LeSabre, rear, Wagner
• Fits 1961 Buick LeSabre, front, Wagner
• Fits 1950-1958 Buick Roadmaster, rear, Wagner
• Fits 1954-1955 Buick Century, rear, Wagner
• Fits 1954-1955 Buick Century, front, Wagner
• Fits 1950-1951 Buick Roadmaster, front, Wagner

Quality Assurance

Wagner Brake uses OE-matched friction materials and precision-ground manufacturing methods to support consistent drum brake performance and proper drum contact. The Z197R is identified by FMSI S197R and is listed for multiple Buick drum brake applications, including Buick LeSabre, Buick Riviera, and Buick Skylark service.