drum brake

Types of drum brakes

Drum brakes are a type of braking mechanism used in vehicles to slow down or stop the motion of the vehicle. Unlike disc brakes, which use a rotor and a disc for braking, drum brakes employ a brake drum to halt wheel rotation.

Generally, drum brakes are considered less efficient than disc brakes. Nonetheless, they are still widely used, especially in heavier vehicles and the rear wheels of most cars. They are also more affordable and easy to maintain compared to disc brakes. Because of their self-assist feature, drum brakes are ideal for applications that require high brake force.

The types of drum brakes include:

• Single shoe drum brakes:

  In this type of drum brake, a single brake shoe is used to push the braking lining against the brake drum. The friction created between the two surfaces slows down or stops the rotation of the wheel. Single shoe drum brakes are mostly used in light-duty applications, such as on the rear wheels of passenger cars.

• Double-shoe drum brakes:

  This is the most common type of drum brake found in modern vehicles. It consists of two brake shoes that act on opposite sides of the brake drum. The brake shoes are mounted on a wheel cylinder and actuated by a common pivot point. When the hydraulic piston is activated, it forces the two shoes apart, pushing them against the drum to create friction and stop the wheel from rotating.

• Two-leading-shhoe drum brakes:

  In this type of drum brake, two brake shoes act on the same side of the brake drum. Both shoes are fitted with leading edges. As a result, the friction forces created by the two shoes are additive. This makes the two-leading-shoe drum brakes very effective in applications that require high braking forces, such as in trucks, buses, and industrial machinery.

• Radial drum brakes:

  This type of drum brake is mostly found in motorcycles and some luxury cars. The brake shoes in radial drum brakes are arranged in a radial pattern around the brake drum. This allows for a more compact design and even wear of the brake lining.

• Combined drum brakes:

  In this type of drum brake, both leading and trailing shoes act on the same side of the drum. The design of combined drum brakes helps to improve the overall braking performance. It is mostly used in high-performance vehicles, such as racing cars.

Specifications and maintenance of drum brake

• Regular inspections

  Inspection of drum brakes is essential to maintain their effectiveness and safety. Regular inspections allow for early detection of wear, damage, or leakage, which can help prevent brake failure. During inspections, users should check the brake shoes for wear or damage, the brake drum for cracks or deep grooves, the wheel cylinder for leakage, and the brake hardware for corrosion or damage. Visual inspections can help ensure all components function properly. Users should also conduct test drives to evaluate braking performance. Abrupt changes in braking performance, such as noise or reduced braking power, can indicate underlying issues. The inspection also allows for identifying underlying issues that may not be visible.

• Brake shoe replacement

  Brake shoe replacement is an important aspect of drum brake maintenance. Regular inspections can help determine when it is time to replace the brake shoes. Typically, users should replace their brake shoes every 20,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on driving habits and road conditions. Signs of wear include uneven wear patterns, cracks, or damage. When replacing the brake shoes, users should select quality replacement parts that meet OEM standards. This ensures compatibility and optimal braking performance. Proper brake shoe replacement involves disassembling the brake assembly, cleaning the components, and installing new brake shoes. Users should also adjust the brake shoes to ensure proper clearance between the shoes and the brake drum.

• Drum replacement

  Like brake shoes, brake drums also wear out and require replacement. Users should inspect the brake drums for signs of wear, such as deep grooves or cracks. Cracks in the brake drums can compromise their structural integrity, increasing the risk of brake failure. Typically, users should replace their brake drums every 100,000 to 150,000 miles. However, the replacement interval may vary depending on driving conditions and load. When replacing brake drums, users should select quality replacement parts that meet OEM standards. Proper brake drum replacement involves disassembling the drum brake assembly, cleaning, and installing new brake drums. Following the manufacturer's instructions during brake drum replacement is important.

• Brake adjustment

  Proper brake adjustment is crucial for maintaining optimal braking performance and safety. Drum brakes require periodic adjustment to ensure even contact between the brake shoes and the brake drum. Improper brake adjustment can lead to uneven wear, reduced braking efficiency, and brake drag. Users should check the brake shoe clearance regularly and adjust as needed. The clearance between the brake shoes and the brake drum should be within the manufacturer's specifications. Users can use the brake adjuster or manually adjust the brake shoes to achieve proper clearance.

• Cleaning

  Cleaning is an essential aspect of drum brake maintenance. Dust, debris, and contaminants can accumulate in the drum brake assembly over time, affecting braking performance. Regular cleaning helps remove these contaminants, ensuring optimal braking performance. Depending on the operating environment, users should clean their drum brakes every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Users can use compressed air, a soft brush, or a brake cleaner to remove dust and debris from the brake components. Cleaning also allows for inspecting brake components for wear or damage.

• Brake hardware replacement

  Brake hardware replacement is an important aspect of maintaining drum brakes. Over time, brake hardware components such as springs, retainers, and adjusters may wear out or become damaged. Regular inspections can help identify worn or damaged brake hardware components. Typically, users should replace brake hardware components every 50,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on driving habits and road conditions. During brake hardware replacement, users should select quality replacement parts that meet OEM standards.

How to choose drum brakes

It is important to choose the right drum brake for the vehicle in order to keep it operating safely and efficiently. Here is a guide on how to choose a drum brake:

• Vehicle type and size

  Consider the size and type of the vehicle when choosing a drum brake. Larger vehicles such as trucks and buses are heavier and require more braking power. As such, they need a larger drum brake that can provide the necessary braking force. Smaller and lighter vehicles require smaller drum brakes.

• Driving conditions

  Think about the driving conditions that are common in the area where the vehicle operates. For instance, vehicles that drive in steep hilly areas need drum brakes with high friction materials. These materials can handle the frequent braking that is required when driving in such areas. Also, consider the weather conditions. Vehicles that operate in wet or snowy conditions need drum brakes that offer good braking performance in these conditions.

• Front or rear position

  Decide whether to buy drum brakes for the front or rear wheels. The front brakes handle more braking force because they support the majority of the vehicle's weight during braking. As such, buyers should choose drum brakes with more braking power for the front wheels. The rear wheels require less braking force and can use smaller drum brakes.

• Vehicle make and model

  Find out the suitable drum brake size and specifications for the vehicle make and model. This information is often found in the vehicle owner's manual. This is important because different vehicles require different drum brake sizes and features.

• Budget

  Consider the budget. Drum brakes come in different price ranges. It is important to find a drum brake that fits the budget, without compromising on quality. Additionally, high-end drum brakes offer more features and benefits in the long run.

How to DIY and Replace Drum Brake

Drum brakes are used on the rear wheels of many cars, particularly those with lower trim levels and trucks. They are more challenging to maintain than disc brakes, but they are less expensive to manufacture and provide adequate stopping power for the less demanding rear-wheel roles. This makes them a popular choice in budget vehicles. They do wear out like any other mechanical component. When that happens, vehicle owners may decide to replace them with new ones. Here’s how to replace drum brakes.

Firstly, gather all the necessary tools for the job. This includes new brake shoes and drums, jack stands, a ratchet, a jack, a brake cleaner, and a wheel chock. It might be a good idea to go through the vehicle's manual and see if it has other specific instructions for replacing drum brakes.

Start by lifting the car with a jack and placing jack stands under it for safety. After that, remove the rear wheels and set them aside. To avoid damage, the wheel lugs should be removed first while the car is still on the ground. Spin the adjuster wheel located at the bottom of the brake assembly to loosen the old brake shoes. This will make it easier to remove the shoes.

Next, remove the retaining clip and disconnect the parking brake cable from the brake assembly. Then, remove the C-clip and push the axle shaft to disconnect it from the brake assembly. At this point, it will be easier to remove the old brake shoes. Take note of how the old brake shoes were installed as this will help when installing the new ones.

Clean the brake assembly with a brake cleaner. After this, install the new shoes and make sure they are fitted in the same way as the old ones. Reconnect the axle shaft, parking brake cable, and other components that were removed earlier. Spin the adjuster screw again to ensure the new shoes fit well.

Finally, put the wheels back on and lower the vehicle. Remember to bleed the brakes after a successful drum replacement to ensure there’s no air in the brake fluid. This will make sure the new brakes work effectively.

Q&A

Q1: What vehicles are drum brakes used on?

A1: Initially, drum brakes were used on all four wheels of most vehicles. Nowadays, especially on modern cars, they are mostly found on the rear wheels and on light vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and on the cheap corner of the market.

Q2: What is the maintenance routine for drum brakes?

A2: Generally, drum brakes require little maintenance. However, it is advisable to periodically inspect the brakes for wear and tear, especially in high-use vehicles. When worn out, users should replace the brake linings and drums. Adjusting the brakes may also be necessary to maintain proper clearance, especially after prolonged use.

Q3: Do drum brakes have a long lifespan?

A3: Yes, they have a long lifespan. However, their longevity greatly depends on factors such as driving habits, the type of vehicle, and the environment. Typically, drum brakes can last between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. But users can maximize their lifespan by ensuring proper maintenance and timely repairs.

Q4: Do drum brakes require more frequent replacement than disc brakes?

A4: Generally, drum brakes tend to last longer than disc brakes. However, this is not a rule of thumb. The longevity of either brake system depends on maintenance and usage. When well maintained, drum brakes are more cost-effective than disc brakes.

Q5: Are drum brakes suitable for high-performance vehicles?

A5: No, they are not. Drum brakes are not ideal for high-performance vehicles that require quick and efficient braking. This is because, during high-speed runs, drum brakes can suffer from brake fade, a reduction in braking performance.

Popularity Trends

The keyword "drum brake" exhibits a consistent average monthly web search volume of 18,100, with a notable 22% increase observed over the last three months. Despite this uptick, the annual web search volume change remains static at 0%. Over the past year, search data reveals a pattern of fluctuations, with peaks in November, December, March, April, May, June, September, and October, and valleys in January, February, July, and August.

Analyzing the search trend for "drum brake" over the last 12 months, it's evident that the keyword experiences periodic dips and rises. The peaks typically occur during months immediately following or preceding automotive industry events or seasonal changes that influence vehicle maintenance schedules. Conversely, the valleys align with months where consumer focus might shift away from vehicle repairs due to weather conditions or end-of-year financial considerations.

The consistent return to peak web search volumes suggests a resilient interest in drum brakes, likely driven by ongoing needs in the vehicle repair and maintenance sector. Despite the lack of overall annual growth, the recent three-month surge could indicate a seasonal trend or a response to specific market stimuli, such as new vehicle releases or enhanced safety regulations impacting brake systems. This pattern merits further observation to understand its full implications on market demand and consumer behavior.