A brake drum is a cylinder attached to a car’s wheel. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake shoes inside the brake drum are pushed outwards to slow the vehicle down.
A few decades ago, disc brakes began to replace drum brakes. Disc brakes provide higher braking force and are considered safer. However, drum brakes are still used on many new automobiles, mostly on budget models and nearly solely on the rear wheels.
Drum brakes had existed since 1900 when they were first employed on a Maybach automobile, though Louis Renault didn't patent the technology until 1902.
How Brake Drums Work
Hydraulic wheel cylinders, brake shoes, and a brake drum make up a drum brake system. When the brake pedal is depressed, hydraulic wheel cylinders force two curved brake shoes with a friction material lining against the inner surface of a revolving brake drum.
As a result of this contact, friction is created, allowing the vehicle to slow or stop.
Pneumatic brake fluid is forced through the brake lines and into the brake cylinder when you press the brake pedal. A pair of springs in the cylinder is forced against a piston at each end of the cylinder.
Each piston is forced against one of the long, curved brake shoes attached to the wheel via the lug nuts. The shoe comprises a metal base and a friction-material pad that contact the drum, slowing and stopping the wheel.
Importance of Brake Drums
The brake drums are important for the following reasons:
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One of the essential safety-related car elements is the brake drum. It has a long service life and is relatively low-wear. However, if the wear limit is surpassed (the inner diameter exceeds the legal limit) or another damage (such as the wheel bearing) happens, reliable braking is no longer possible.
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One brake drum provides a friction pair that slows the wheel's rotation with the brake shoe. The brake drum also collects and releases heat generated while braking. This is especially significant as the friction between the braking drum and the brake shoe lining decreases as the temperature rises.
Benefits of Brake Drums
Drum brakes have the following advantages:
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Drum brakes can provide more braking force than disc brakes of comparable diameter
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Drum brakes have a large friction contact surface; therefore, they last longer
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Drum brakes production costs are comparatively lower
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Drum brakes generate less heat
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Drum brakes have built-in self-energizing action; less input force is required (such as hydraulic pressure)
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Drums brakes are easier to recondition when compared to brake calipers
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Drums brakes have superior corrosion resistance than discs, and maintenance is required less frequently
Issues with Brake Drums
Brake drums can occasionally develop problems because of their hollow, enclosed construction.
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When a large amount of heat cannot be released, a "Long Pedal" occurs. This is more likely to happen if you brake too hard when driving down a hill. The heat generated by the friction will cause the drum to expand, as almost all materials that have been heated do.
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The driver must push the pedal substantially further to achieve the same amount of contact to slow the car as the drum walls expand away from the brake shoes. This will reverse when the brake drum slows down, although it's best to avoid extended braking when traveling downhill. Avoiding extending braking is a recommendation for both drum and disc brakes. The brake drum's design is relatively simple but may take longer to service or replace than a regular disc brake.
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Asbestos was previously used in the brake shoes of antique cars as part of the friction material. This is no longer an issue with current cars but may resurface if work is done on an older vehicle.
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Water can become trapped inside the drum and get stuck between the brake shoes and drum walls, reducing friction and braking ability.
Tips To Maintain Drum Brakes
Here are some helpful hints for keeping your vehicle's drum brakes in good working order:
Make sure the brake drum isn't rusted.
Keep your brake drum clean to avoid rusting, as the friction side of the drum must be free of scratches and cracks for the vehicle to brake. If the brake drum needs to be replaced, it must be replaced on both sides of the axle to prevent the braking system from malfunctioning.
Choose an all-in-one brake drum rear kit.
When replacing drum brakes, you can choose a kit with all the necessary components. This way, you’ll have everything you need to complete the job. If you don’t have a kit on hand, it might be best to take your vehicle to an auto parts store or mechanic and have them install the brakes for safety reasons.
Maintain a reasonable speed.
The faster you drive, the quicker your brakes wear out. If you feel vibrations, shaking, or noises when braking, you should visit a brake system repair workshop or contact NuBrakes for an inspection.
Examine the brake fluid
Monitor your vehicle's brake fluid and replace it every 30,000 miles or two years using the manufacturer's recommended fluid.
Visit a reputable workshop
Braking systems are important to your safety on the road. Regularly inspecting your brake drums by reputable mechanics, such as those at NuBrakes, will help give you peace of mind.
Conclusion
If you have drum brakes on your car, they are essential for keeping you and your vehicle safe. Make sure to inspect the drum brake for wear and effectiveness as part of routine repair and maintenance.
Only high-quality manufactured components should be used if the brake drums or other sections of the drum brake need to be replaced. If you are worried about your brake drums and looking for the most convenient automobile service experience, NuBrakes makes brake repair convenient and affordable for everyone by combining our mobile model with the personal, friendly touch of our certified brake repair technicians.
References
- https://haynes.com/en-us/tips-tutorials/what-are%20brake-drums
- https://www.engineeringchoice.com/drum-brake/
- https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/diy/a35407888/here-are-some-tips-and-tricks-to-tackling-drum-brakes/
- https://brakeexperts.com/what-is-a-brake-drum/
- https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/drum-brakes/