How to Solve Overheating Rear Drum Brakes?
2 Answers
Solutions for overheating rear drum brakes: Overheating occurs due to poor retraction of the brake caliper, which can be addressed by adjusting the angle of the brake pads. It is normal for rear drum brakes to heat up during driving. Although the brake discs and pads are connected to the wheel hub after installation, they do not transfer all the heat to the tires. During vehicle braking, more force is applied to the front wheels, which is why front brake discs are usually disc brakes. To improve heat dissipation, many vehicles use ventilated discs. The advantage of drum brakes lies in their structural design. When engaged, the expansion of the brake pads generates additional torque, enhancing braking force. Therefore, drum brakes are commonly used in heavy-duty vehicles.
Last time I encountered this issue, I found that overheating drum brakes are mostly caused by incomplete brake release. It could be that the brake shoes are stuck in the drum and can't retract, or the handbrake cable is rusted and pulled too tight. Once when I was repairing my car, I opened the rear drum and saw it was full of iron powder from worn brake shoes - had to use an air gun to blow it all clean. Daily maintenance should include listening for scraping sounds when the wheels rotate, and avoiding continuous braking on long downhill slopes - using intermittent braking is safer. For older vehicles, there's an 80% chance you'll need to replace the brake shoes and return springs. This job is best left to professional mechanics, as DIY disassembly often leads to reassembly difficulties.
