How Do Drum Brakes Work On Your Car?

drum brakes

A car’s drum brakes work by pressing brake shoes against the inside of the brake drums. This creates friction, which slows the car down. Drum brakes are typically found on older cars, and they have been largely replaced by disc brakes in newer models.

What Is A Brake Drum On A Car?

The brake drum is a cylindrical component of a car’s braking system. It is connected to the wheel and the axel. When the brake pedal is depressed, hydraulic fluid is sent to the brake shoes, which press against the drum. The friction between the shoes and the drum slows the rotation of the wheel, bringing the car to a stop.

The brake drums are made of cast iron or steel and are very strong and durable. Over time, they can become rusty or warped, which can cause braking problems. For this reason, it is important to have them inspected regularly and replaced as needed.

What Is The Difference Between Drum Brakes And Disc Brakes?

Drum brakes have been around a lot longer than disc brakes, and they used to be the standard on all vehicles. They work by using shoes that press against the walls of a drum in order to create friction and slow the vehicle down.

Disc brakes are newer and more efficient than drum brakes. They consist of a metal disc that is mounted on the wheel. When the brakes are applied, pads squeeze the disc and slow the wheel down.

Disc brakes are less likely to overheat than drum brakes, so they are often used on vehicles that do a lot of heavy brakings, such as racecars.

Disc brakes are also better at dissipating water, so they perform better in wet weather. Overall, disc brakes are superior to drum brakes in terms of performance and durability. As a result, they are gradually replacing drum brakes as the standard braking system on new vehicles.

Are Drum Brakes Good?

Drum brakes are commonly used on the rear wheels, although some older vehicles also have them on the front. One advantage of drum brakes is that they are less expensive than disc brakes, so they are often used on budget vehicles.

Another advantage is that they require less maintenance than disc brakes, as the drums can be easily accessed for inspection and servicing.

However, drum brakes have some disadvantages as well…

For example, they are more susceptible to excessive heat build-up, which can cause fade (reduced braking power).

In addition, they tend to be noisy and may produce a squeaking or grinding sound when applied. 

Do Cars Still Use Brake Drums?

Yes, some car models do still have brake drums.

However, many newer models are starting to move away from this older style of braking system in favor of disk brakes.

Disk brakes are more effective and tend to last longer than brake drums. Additionally, they are less likely to overheat, making them a safer option overall.

How Often Do You Need To Replace Your Drum Brakes?

Most people are familiar with the screeching sound that indicates it’s time to replace their drum brakes. But how often do these brakes actually need to be replaced?

The answer depends on a number of factors, including the type of vehicle you drive and how often you use your brakes.

In general, however, drum brakes should be inspected every 12,000 miles or so, and they may need to be replaced as often as every 20,000 miles. So if you’ve been hearing a lot of brake noise lately, it’s probably time to have your brakes checked out by a professional.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Brake Drum?

Fixing a brake drum is not a very expensive repair, but it is important to get it done as soon as possible. The cost of the repair will depend on the severity of the problem and the make and model of your car. The average cost of the repair is between $200 and $400. If you have a more expensive car, the cost may be higher. The best way to find out how much it will cost to fix your brake drum is to take it to a mechanic and get an estimate. Be sure to shop around and get multiple estimates before you make a decision.

Conclusion

 Drum brakes are a type of brake that uses rotating drums and shoes to create friction. The shoes press against the drums, slowing or stopping the vehicle. Over time, the shoes and drums can become worn, causing the brakes to become less effective. If your drum brakes are in need of repair, there are a few things you can do to fix them. First, clean the drums and shoes with brake cleaner to remove any built-up dirt and grime. Next, adjust the shoes so that they press evenly against the drums. Finally, bleed the brakes to remove any air bubbles from the system. By taking these steps, you can extend the life of your drum brakes and ensure that they continue to work properly.

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